Why is microchipping mandatory for animals in Portugal?
Microchipping is mandatory in Portugal for all dogs born after 2008.
It is currently also mandatory for cats.
Contrary to what many people think, the microchip doesn’t have a built-in GPS system and therefore doesn’t allow the animal to be located.
Each device has a number that is registered in a database (SIRA and/or SICAFE).
Through the database we can access the name of the animal, the name and contact details of the owner, as well as the contact details of the clinic/hospital where the animal was registered.
This way, if an animal gets lost, anyone can go to a nearby veterinary clinic and quickly reach the animal’s owners. Likewise, if an animal is abandoned, its owners may be held responsible.
The microchip is very useful for helping animals that have become lost but also for controlling abandonment, which in Portugal is still a sad reality.
The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and its application is similar to administering a vaccine. Due to its small size, the animal will not experience any discomfort after placement.
Owners will be able to detect it under the skin but for the animal it will not affect the animal. The microchip can be placed at the Vet.Point veterinary clinic, in Oeiras (next to Oeiras Parque).
If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian.
Vet.Point – Oeiras Veterinary Clinic
24h emergency | 927896112 • 211918923 | geral@vetpoint-ivl.com
