In France, identification is mandatory for all dogs over 4 months old living on the territory. They are thus listed at ICAD (name of the national identification file for dogs, cats and ferrets managed by Ingenium animalis in France since 2013).

What is identification for?

The identification number, associated with the microchip or the tattoo, makes it possible to obtain “the dog's identity card”.
Authorized professionals, such as veterinarians, can access the dog's name, age, age, breed, breeding of origin, contact details of its family and previous owners, if any.

When you adopt an animal, it must be identified to ensure its traceability. In particular, this prevents trafficking.

If your animal is lost or dead you must report it to ICAD, or to your veterinarian who can take care of it.
Your contact details linked to your dog's file must therefore be up to date so that you can be notified when your dog is found.

Chip or tattoo?

The electronic chip

It is the size of a grain of rice. Painless and easy to implant, it allows you to find all the information concerning the dog using a chip reader. No anesthesia is required. If you travel to Europe, a microchip is mandatory (except for animals that were tattooed before 2011).

The tattoo

Quick to perform, the tattoo is done using a dermograph and is generally done in one of the dog's ears. The advantage of tattooing is that it is easy to spot. On the other hand, it is possible that the tattoo will be erased over the years and that it will be necessary to do it again. It can also be easily falsifiable if the animal is stolen. Also note that tattooing is done under general anesthesia because it is considered too painful for the dog. Tattooing is almost no longer practiced.