If I get my dog chipped, would he be returned immediately if found off my property, or would I have to go retrieve him at animal control and pay fines?

It depends on how the dog is found and whether you have registered the dog's chip. Animal Control charges $50. the first time to get your dog back.

I am pretty certain you wpuld pay a fee

I'm pretty certain you will still have to pay a fee at animal control for the recovery of your animal. The chip just makes it highly likely that if the right people find your dog, you will be contacted. I've probably picked up 3 or 4 strays over the last few years and I always have them scanned at the local vet before ever thinking of taking them to animal control.

Chips are a must no matter what the fees are to get your animal back. Most people are told to take stray or lost animals there because most people go there to look for them. They will connect that animal with you if you have a chip and it's worth anything you have to pay in my opinion

Go to animal control and pay the fine your responsible for keeping your dog confined also you will need a aacounty license