Mandatory Pet Identification: Why, How, and Legal Requirements

Pet and livestock identification is a legal requirement in many countries. It is a responsible and essential practice to ensure their safety, protection, and to facilitate their recovery if lost.

At Lost’Him, we know that identification is the first step to quickly finding a lost animal. The more clearly an animal is identified, the easier it is to return it to its owner through community mobilization and professional networks.

1. Why Is Pet Identification Mandatory?

Pet identification is more than just an administrative formality. Its primary objectives are to:

👉 Quickly Locate a Lost Pet

• Every year, thousands of pets go missing. An identified animal has a 90% higher chance of being found thanks to its microchip or tattoo.

👉 Protect Animals from Theft and Illegal Trade

• Unidentified animals taken to shelters risk euthanasia after 8 working days if not claimed.
• Unidentified animals are more vulnerable to illegal trafficking. Official identification deters theft and allows authorities to track ownership.

👉 Simplify Administrative and Medical Procedures

• Required for international travel, adoption, sales, or veterinary care.

👉 Comply with the Law and Avoid Fines

• Failure to identify a pet can result in fines and penalties.

💡 Identification is both a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure an animal's safety and well-being.

2. Which Animals Must Be Identified?

The law requires mandatory identification for various categories of animals:

👉 Dogs

• Mandatory for all dogs over 4 months old.
• Required before any sale or transfer (paid or free).

👉 Cats

• Mandatory for all cats over 7 months old since January 1, 2012.
• Required before adoption or sale.

👉 Ferrets and Exotic Pets (NAC)

• Identification required for some exotic pets (ferrets, birds, reptiles) in cases of sale, transportation, or regulated ownership.

👉 Livestock and Farm Animals

• Horses, ponies, and donkeys must be registered in a national database.
• Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs must have ear tags and be recorded in farm registries.

💡 Check with your veterinarian or local authorities to determine if your pet requires identification.

3. What Are the Identification Methods?

👉 Microchip (Transponder)

• Inserted under the skin by a veterinarian, about the size of a grain of rice.
• Contains a unique 15-digit code recorded in a national database (e.g., I-CAD in France).

👉 Tattoo

• Alphanumeric code tattooed under anesthesia:
• Inside the ear for dogs and cats.
• On the thigh for some exotic pets.
• Less recognized internationally and may fade over time.

👉 Ear Tags (Farm Animals)

• Ensure health and administrative traceability.

👉 European Pet Passport (Horses, Dogs, Cats, Ferrets)

• Required for international travel.
• Includes identification and medical history.

💡 Without a passport and microchip, entry into some countries is prohibited.

4. What Does the Law Say About Animal Identification?

👉 Key Regulatory Texts

• Article L212-10 of the French Rural Code:
• Mandatory identification for dogs over 4 months and cats over 7 months.
• Decree of July 31, 2012:
• Identification required before any transfer.
• EU Regulation No. 998/2003:
• Microchip mandatory for intra-EU travel.

👉 Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Minimum fine of €135.
• Animal seizure possible in cases of endangerment.

💡 Identification also serves as proof of ownership in case of disputes.

5. What to Do If Your Identified Pet Is Lost?

👉 Report the Loss Immediately on Lost’Him

• Add clear photos and all relevant disappearance details.
• Provide the exact date and location.

👉 Notify Authorities

• Veterinarians, shelters, and animal rescue organizations.
• Police and municipal offices (especially for farm animals and horses).

👉 Update Your Contact Information in Identification Databases

• I-CAD (France) for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
• SIRE (Identification System for Horses) for equines.
• BDNI for farm animals.

💡 Keeping your contact details up to date increases the chances of recovering your pet.

6. Why Does Lost’Him Support Mandatory Identification?

👉 Improve Pet Recovery Rates

• An identified animal has up to a 90% chance of being found quickly.

👉 Protect Vulnerable Animals

• Stray animals without identification face a higher risk of euthanasia, accidents, or mistreatment.

Conclusion: Identification—A Key Factor in Pet Safety

• ✅ Identified pets are much easier to find.
• ✅ Administrative procedures and travel are simplified.
• ✅ Lost’Him uses identification data to optimize search efforts.

💡 Your pet depends on you—don’t leave their safety to chance. 🐾💙