How do I change my pet’s details on French I-CAD database?

Reader question: I am leaving France so have to sadly give my dog to a friend who is staying here. Do I need to tell anybody about this change of ownership?

Most pets in France – cats, dogs, and ferrets – must be recorded on the I-CAD database which is run by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The database records information about the pet and the owner which can help if you lose your animal or take it to a new vet.

The pet’s database listing is linked to data in its identifying microchip (or in some cases related to a tattoo behind the ear).

All pet cats, dogs, and ferrets must be signed up to the database.

You can read more about the database and how to register a pet for the first time here.

In this instance, however, your pet is already signed up.

Certain information changes are possible via a free online account, but others can only be made by returning the animal’s identification card with new information.

Some details can be changed online

Minor details – such as a change of address – can be made online.

You can log into your ICAD account here and click on the Détenteur (owner) tab to access your account.

From here, you will be able to change information about yourself (the current owner), which includes a change of address, or a change of contact details.

These changes are updated instantly on the database.

This should be done as quickly as possible so that you can be found in the event of your pet being lost.

You cannot use your I-CAD account to change the ownership details of a pet, however.

Changing ownership details

In the event of selling or giving away your pet, the animal’s ownership details need to be updated.

This cannot be done online, or via telephone or email. It is only possible using the animal’s carte d’identification (identification card).

You can return the upper part of the identification card (part B), ticking the box changement de détenteur (change of owner) and providing the new owner’s details, including name, address and phone number.

You must also provide the date of the change of ownership, and you, the former owner, must sign the document before it is sent off.

The card should be posted to the following address:

I-CAD

112-114 avenue Gabriel Péri

94246 L’Haÿ-les-Roses Cedex

There is no charge to post the identification document back to I-CAD.

If you do not have your pet’s identification card, you can order a new one either from I-CAD or by asking your vet for a duplicate.

In the case of adopting a pet from a shelter it is usually necessary for the new owners of a pet to wait six months before the shelter will update the pet’s ownership details, to ensure the pet settles in successfully.

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