Identification
Pet identification is mandatory in the Valencian Community since 1996. It is currently carried out through an electronic microchip implant. This implant requires a surgical intervention that can only be performed by a registered veterinarian under proper hygienic and sanitary conditions.
Dog identification must be carried out within the animal’s first three months of life or in the month following its acquisition.
The microchip allows to introduce animal and owner information in Valencia’s Electronic Registry of Animal Identification (RIVIA). Thanks to this procedure, it is up to 3 times more likely that a misplaced animal be located, as shown by academic research (1). For this service to be effective and fast, owners must notify any data modification throughout the animal’s life, until its death.
Fatjó J et al. Epidemiology of Dog and Cat Abandonment in Spain (2008-2013). Animals (Basel). 2015.