How to register your dog in France
Adding your dog to the national pet database
Your local vet can register dogs that already have an electronic tag, or give them a new one
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When you move to France and bring your dog with you, there is a simple process to complete in order to register them here.
I-CAD (Identification des Carnivores Domestiques) is France’s national pet database, storing pet and owner information with the aim of improving both the management of pets as well as animal welfare.
In their annual report of 2024, I-CAD figures showed a population of nearly 10 million registered dogs in France!
Registration process
You must register your dog with I-CAD within three months of moving to France. To do this, you will first need to visit your local vet so they can scan your dog’s identification microchip and fill in the right paperwork for you.
The form you need is the certificat provisoire d’identification lors d’importation ou échange intracommunautaire or provisional identification certificate. Expect to pay around €50 - 80 for this service.
For older dogs who were given an identification tattoo before 3 July 2011, this is acceptable in France as long as it is clearly readable. If your dog has a microchip that cannot be read by a French reader, they may however need to have a new microchip fitted. The vet will confirm if this is required.
Next, the vet will upload this new certificate along with the dog’s paperwork from your original country - either their Animal Health Certificate or if you are coming from another EU country, their Pet Passport.
Lastly, you have to send a cheque for €11.00 payable to I-CAD which should be posted to:
I-CAD
29 rue du Progrès
CS 50011
93 108 Montreuil cedex
Official pet identification account
Within about three weeks you should receive confirmation from I-CAD that your dog is now registered on the pet database in France.
You will be sent their identification details, a password so that you can access their online I-CAD pet account as well as their official identification card to carry with you.
The I-CAD database is used to identify lost pets so it is important to keep your contact details up to date. You can do this online through your pet’s identification account where you can also download a new id card should you need.
