Mochi's Clinic

Pet Microchip and Registration in Spain: Guide

Microchipping your pet is a legal obligation in Spain. We'll explain what it is, how it's implanted, and how to register your pet step by step.

This is general information: for any health concerns, consult your veterinarian.

The Legal Obligation of Microchips in Spain

The Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023 of March 28, came into effect on September 29, 2023, establishing mandatory nationwide microchip identification for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Furthermore, the legal text also includes rabbits and equines.

Before this law, the requirement largely depended on regional regulations, focusing primarily on dogs. Now, the state law unifies and strengthens the legal framework for cats and ferrets across the country.

You should know that it is prohibited to transfer, sell, or give up for adoption any dog, cat, or ferret that is not previously identified and registered in the name of the transferor. Failure to comply is considered a serious offense with fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 euros.

Similarly, failure to identify an animal is classified in the law with general sanctions ranging from 500 to 200,000 euros depending on the severity, whether it's minor, serious, or very serious.

• Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets according to Law 7/2023.
• Prohibited to sell or transfer animals without identification (fines from 10,000 to 50,000 euros).
• Penalties for not identifying the animal range from 500 to 200,000 euros.

What a Microchip Is and How It's Implanted

Physically, a microchip is a small cylindrical capsule about 12 millimeters long, roughly the size of a grain of rice. It functions as a passive transponder without a battery, emitting no signal of its own, and does not include GPS. Therefore, it cannot be used to track your pet in real-time via mobile.

The microchip only responds and emits a numeric code when a certified reader is brought close. It contains a unique 15-digit code compliant with the international standard ISO 11784/11785, valid for the animal's entire life.

The implantation procedure must be performed exclusively by an authorized veterinarian. It is introduced via a subcutaneous injection, typically in the left side of the neck for dogs and cats.

The approximate cost of implantation at veterinary clinics usually ranges from 30 to 60 euros, varying by municipality or clinic. Some local councils or specific campaigns offer it for free or at a reduced price.

• Measures about 12 mm and has no GPS or battery.
• Contains a unique 15-digit code.
• Implanted by a veterinarian via subcutaneous injection in the neck.
• Its usual price is around 30 to 60 euros.

Regional Registration and the National Network

Microchipping and registering your pet are two distinct but complementary procedures. The physical chip alone does not prove ownership if it's not registered in the official databases.

Each autonomous community manages its own Companion Animal Identification Registry, such as RIAC in Madrid or RIACA in Aragon.

All this regional data is integrated and cross-referenced through the Spanish Network of Companion Animal Identification, known as REIAC, which serves as the national database for consulting records throughout the country.

Generally, the veterinarian themselves handles the registration with the regional registry at the same time they implant the microchip in your companion.

• The physical chip and official registration are separate procedures.
• Each region has its own autonomous registry.
• REIAC unifies data at the national level.
• The veterinarian usually handles the registry enrollment.

What to Do If Your Pet's Information Changes or If They Get Lost

If you change your address, phone number, or modify any contact information, you are obligated to notify your regional registry or your veterinary clinic. This ensures they can be reached in case of a rescue.

In the event of a sale, adoption, or transfer, you must formally process the change of ownership in the corresponding regional registry. This serves to disassociate the previous owner and associate legal responsibility with the new owner.

If, unfortunately, your pet gets lost or is stolen, you must report it as soon as possible to the regional companion animal registry, local authorities like the police or town hall, and animal shelters or rescue centers.

If someone finds your furry friend on the street, any veterinary clinic or authority with a microchip reader can scan the 15-digit code, consult the REIAC database, and immediately contact you using the information you provided.

• Report any change of address or phone number to the regional registry.
• Update ownership if you adopt, sell, or transfer the animal.
• Notify the police, shelters, and the registry in case of loss.

«Good thing I have my chip all set and my details up to date, so if I get lost looking for treats, they know exactly who to call!»

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