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Millions of French pet owners’ data for sale online following hack
Latest major cyberattack to hit pet database also targeted vets
Personal details of 2.9 million pets and 50,000 veterinarians in France are reportedly for sale online following a breach of the national pet database.
Information including the owners’ full names as well as their pets’ name, microchip number, date of birth and sterilisation status are included, according to a report by cyberattack tracking website FrenchBreaches.
The hacker claims to have records of 2.9 million people, however several websites report that records cover 2.9 million animals, and around 2.2 million owners.
Data for sale on the 50,000 vets reportedly includes their professional identification, names, and department code.
While the breach does not affect all owners – there are around 80 million pets in France, in around 20 million homes – it constitutes a significant number.
The data was offered for sale following an alleged cyberattack against France’s I-CAD pet database.
It is mandatory for dog, cat, and ferret owners in France to register their animals on I-CAD, which is managed by the Paris-based private company Ingenium animalis, under a mandate from France’s agriculture ministry.
It is not the first time that the database has been the target of a cyberattack. In March 2026, I-CAD posted a message on its website regarding a cyberattack in September 2025, warning owners of potential scamming attempts. The message was updated with new information in August 2026.
The hacker selling the data online has said that the information is separate from that stolen in a previous attack in September 2025.
However, the latest breach is yet to be officially confirmed by I-CAD.
It follows dozens of recent cyberattacks and breaches so far this year in France, targeting both public and private companies.
Pet owners should remain vigilant
Warnings for pet owners to remain vigilant are being renewed, as fraudsters could use the information to target pet owners as part of a phishing attempt, using the information already known to gain trust and collect more personal information.
They could also use the information gathered to potentially pose as a vet or other professional. Closely inspect all emails to ensure they are legitimate, and if someone calls you in relation to your animal, be on your guard.
If someone claims to be from your vet or pet insurance company, you can hang up and call them back through their main office / customer support lines to check it was legitimate.
Do not be pressurised into making payments, and if in any doubt go to your vet’s office to confirm.
