Are you living in France with a cute dog or cat? 🐾 Having a pet brings immense joy—but it also comes with legal responsibilities. In France, registering your pet isn’t optional; it’s a legal obligation.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about registering your dog, cat, or ferret in France: the steps, costs, and even fines if you skip it.
Why is Pet Registration Mandatory in France?
Pet registration in France is compulsory for dogs, cats, and ferrets. It helps:
- Quickly identify pets if they go missing
- Prevent abandonment
- Reduce the risk of abuse
Who needs to register:
- 🐶 Dogs: before 4 months old
- 🐱 Cats & 🐭 Ferrets: before 7 months old
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Pet in France
1️⃣ Schedule a Vet Appointment
You cannot register your pet on your own; it must be done through a veterinarian (vétérinaire).
Search online for “Clinique vétérinaire” or “Cabinet vétérinaire” to find a nearby vet. Foreign residents can register using their passport or residence permit (ID).
2️⃣ Vet Visit & Microchip Implantation
- Microchip (Electronic Identification): A 15-digit microchip is implanted under your pet’s skin. It must meet European ISO standards (11784/11785) and be inserted before rabies vaccination.
- Health Check & Rabies Vaccine: Especially important for pets coming from abroad.
- Optional Health Certificate (Certificat de Bonne Santé): Useful for traveling with your pet.
3️⃣ I-CAD Registration
The veterinarian registers your pet with I-CAD (Identification des Carnivores Domestiques).
Within 1–2 weeks, you’ll receive your pet’s registration card (Carte d’Identification) by mail. 📬
4️⃣ Pet Passport (Optional)
If you plan to travel in France or the EU, request an EU Pet Passport (Passeport Européen).
This records vaccination history, microchip number, and other essential info for travel. ✈️
Registration Costs (2025 Estimate)
| Item | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Microchip implantation | 40–70 € |
| I-CAD registration fee | 9.23 € |
| Rabies vaccination | 30–50 € |
| Pet passport | 15–30 € |
| Health certificate (optional) | 20–40 € |
| Total | ~100–150 € |
What Happens if You Don’t Register?
- ✅ Fine: Up to €750 for unregistered dogs or cats born after Jan 1, 2012. 🚨
- ✅ Lost pets are harder to recover: 90% of registered pets are returned, while less than 15% of unregistered pets find their way home.
- ✅ Travel restrictions: Unregistered pets may face entry denial or quarantine.
Updating Your Pet’s Information
Change of address or contact info? Update your pet’s record for free on the I-CAD official website.
Why You Should Register Your Pet in France 🐕🐈
Registering your pet isn’t just a legal duty—it’s a safety net.
By following the registration process, your furry companions can live safely and happily in France, giving you peace of mind and countless joyful memories! 🥰