Lorraine Williamson
The Spanish government is launching a national pet identification system to create a uniform registration process for dogs, cats, and ferrets. This initiative will replace the current fragmented system, which relies on regional veterinary associations and a private database, the Spanish Pet Identification Network (REIAC).
Until now, each region has managed its own records, leading to inconsistencies and making it difficult to track abandoned animals and illegal breeding operations.
Why a centralised system matters
The move aligns with Spain’s Animal Welfare Act, passed in 2023, which aims to reduce pet abandonment and strengthen animal protection laws. A single database will provide authorities with accurate data on pet populations and allow them to enforce breeding regulations more effectively.
Announcing the new system at a meeting with REIAC representatives, Spain’s Secretary of State for Social Rights, Rosa Martínez, said: “We must remember that an identified animal is a protected animal.” She stressed that a national database will be crucial in tackling abandonment and illegal breeding, as well as helping to locate lost pets and monitor disease control.
Veterinarians to oversee registration
Under the new system, only veterinarians will be authorised to identify and register pets. Martínez emphasised that their role will be key in ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with animal welfare laws. She also acknowledged the work done by REIAC, which currently helps connect data from various regional databases.
The upcoming Royal Decree, which will formalise the new system, is intended to complement existing regulations on pet identification. “It is also about facilitating compliance with animal protection regulations by the public, veterinary professionals, and the competent authorities,” Martínez explained.
Benefits for pet owners
A national registry will make it easier to track and recover lost pets, particularly when they stray outside their home region. Currently, only regional veterinary associations can access their own databases, creating difficulties in cross-regional searches.
“This will be essential to minimise the difficulties that often arise in locating or rescuing lost animals,” Martínez said. Consequently, better coordination between regions is expected to reduce recovery times and lower the number of unclaimed pets ending up in shelters.
Public consultation period open
To finalise the framework, the government has launched a 15-day public consultation, allowing organisations and stakeholders to submit recommendations before drafting the final guidelines.
Martínez underlined the importance of collaboration: “We need input from professionals, animal welfare groups, and pet owners to make this system as effective as possible.”
Moreover, once implemented, the new database will create a standardised and enforceable pet identification system across Spain.