All pet animals – dogs, cats, and ferrets – as of the 25th of October 2022 must be microchipped.
The rule applies regardless of the age of the pet and, in the event of non-compliance, the fine has a “minimum amount of (euro) 50 and maximum of (euro) 3,740 or (euro) 44,890, depending on the owner’s residential status,” as explained in Decree No 82/2019 of 27 June – which ‘Lays down the rules for identifying pet animals through the creation of the Company Animal Information System (SIAC).
Moreover, the ordinance, originally stated that all “dogs born before the 1st of July 2008, which under Decree-Law No. 313/2003 of the 17th of December, did not require electronic identification, must now be microchipped and registered in the SIAC within 12 months after the entry into force of this Decree-Law.”
The official website of the Company Animal Information System animal registration website indicates that regardless of their date of birth, all cats and ferrets have to be microchipped and registered with the SIAC within 36 months of the decree becoming law.
For further advice and to book a microchipping appointment, please contact your veterinarian.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly/com
