A new pet registration system is being launched in Ukraine: what will change for owners

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the launch of a two-year pilot project that should improve the system of identification and registration of domestic animals in Ukraine.

The new system is designed to simplify access to digital veterinary documents, improve the mechanism for searching for lost animals, and increase the efficiency of state control over vaccination, in particular against rabies.

Which animals does the new project concern

At the first stage, the system will include:

— dogs;
— cats;
— ferrets.

These species are subject to identification in accordance with European standards.

The project is being implemented in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare” and should bring Ukrainian legislation closer to the norms of the European Union.

Registration will be voluntary and free of charge

For pet owners, registration in the state register will be voluntary and free of charge.

Information can be entered through state and private veterinary institutions that will join the system.

At the same time, veterinary services, including vaccination or chipping, will be paid separately at current rates.

Is chipping mandatory

Chipping is not a mandatory condition for registration.

However, experts recommend installing a microchip, as this greatly facilitates the search for the animal in the event of its disappearance.

If the animal already has a chip, re-installation is not required – the veterinarian will only read the data and enter it into the register.

How will registration take place

Registration will be carried out by veterinarians.

To do this, the owner or his representative must personally contact the veterinary institution, provide the necessary data and sign an application.

Online registration is not currently provided.

The new system will also allow transferring information from current paper veterinary passports to the electronic register without re-issuing documents.

What are the advantages of the new register

After entering the system in digital format, the following will be stored:

— data about the animal;

— information about vaccination;

— veterinary documents;
— other necessary medical information.

In case of loss of a paper passport, the information can be quickly restored.

Separately, the system should help return lost animals to their owners faster.

What will change for homeless animals

The new register will also cover homeless animals.

Their records will be kept by municipal services or legal entities authorized by local government bodies that have a license for veterinary practice.

This will allow generating up-to-date statistics and more effectively planning programs for population control and responsible animal treatment.

Currently, more than 6 thousand pets have already been entered into the pilot register.

After the completion of the experimental stage, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, plan to integrate digital veterinary passports into the Diya application.