What is I-CAD? France’s pet database explained

Article published September 9, 2021

I-CAD is the biggest database dedicated to carnivorous pets in France and in Europe - mainly meaning dogs, cats and ferrets.

It is the only place to store complete data on these animals’ identification in France, including their microchips and the details of their owners.

I-CAD falls under the remit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in France.

It is used by various services including animal shelters, pounds, the police, animal associations, veterinarians, breeders and pet shops.

Is it also used by pet owners, who can report a pet missing, stolen or found, track missing pets or update their owner details.

I-CAD also tracks pets’ health status and the behaviour of dogs.

It is free to register a pet with I-CAD (though there is a set fee of €9.23 in the case of a dog imported to France from elsewhere).

This can be done by going to a vet in France and asking to have a pet registered. There may however be a consultation fee to pay for the appointment.

In order to get an EU pet passport in France, the animal must be first registered on the I-CAD database.

Find out more about I-CAD on its website here.

Article edited March 28, 2022 with registration tariff for an imported animal

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