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Should My Dog Be Microchipped or Tattooed?

Identifying dogs is a legal obligation in many countries. Two main methods exist: microchipping and tattooing. But which one to choose?

Why Identify Your Dog?

Identifying a dog is a crucial practice for several reasons, both for the animal's safety and for legal compliance. It not only ensures the protection of your four-legged companion but is also often required by law, especially for public health, animal control, and procedures related to sale or adoption.

Protection against loss or theft: Identification increases the chances of finding a lost dog. In case of escape, theft, or straying, an identified dog, whether by microchip or tattoo, can be easily returned to its owner. The microchip, in particular, allows for quick and reliable identification, even if the animal is far from home.
Proof of ownership: A dog identified by microchip or tattoo constitutes legal proof of ownership. This can be crucial in case of disputes, contests, or theft attempts, especially if the animal is found several kilometers from home or in another country. It also protects against pet theft, a unfortunately common practice.
Compliance with legal obligations: In many countries, identifying pets is a legal obligation. For example, in France, microchipping is mandatory for all dogs born after 2011. Failure to comply with this legislation can result in fines or penalties. Additionally, identification is often required for adoption, sale, or transport of an animal, especially internationally.
Facilitation of international travel: For traveling with a dog, especially abroad, identification is often required by local authorities. The microchip, which is internationally recognized, is by far the most reliable method for ensuring smooth transit. Tattooing, although still accepted in some countries, is not always recognized internationally, especially in non-European countries.
Medical tracking: Identification allows for medical tracking of your animal. Some microchip systems allow for the integration of medical information such as vaccination history or treatments received. This can be particularly useful during travel abroad or when consulting a veterinarian in another region or country.
Responsibility towards the community: Identification is also a way to actively participate in the management of pets in society. It allows for better control of animal populations, prevents abandonment, and promotes responsible sterilization or adoption policies. In some regions, a dog without identification can lead to administrative complications, especially in cases of bites or disturbances caused by the animal.

The Microchip

The microchip is a small device (about 12 to 15 mm long and 2 mm in diameter), often compared to the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the dog's skin, usually at the neck or between the shoulder blades. It operates on a radio frequency principle and emits a unique signal that can be read by a scanner.

How Does the Microchip Work?

The microchip is passive, meaning it does not have its own battery. When a scanner is placed near the microchip, it sends a signal that activates the microchip and allows it to return its unique identification number, usually in alphanumeric code. This number is registered in a central database, where it is associated with your contact information as the animal's owner.

Advantages of the Microchip

Indelible and difficult to falsify: The microchip cannot be modified, making it a reliable method for proving animal ownership. Unlike a tattoo, which can fade over time, the microchip remains always readable.
Discreet and non-visible: The microchip is implanted under the skin and is not visible to the naked eye, protecting the animal from the risks of theft or identity extortion.
International recognition: The microchip is recognized by many countries and facilitates international travel with the animal. The information contained in the microchip is generally compatible with the database systems of other countries.
Ease of implantation: The implantation of the microchip is quick and relatively painless. It generally only requires a subcutaneous injection performed by a veterinarian. It can be done during a regular consultation or as part of another medical procedure (vaccination, sterilization, etc.).
Lifespan of the microchip: Once implanted, the microchip can last the entire life of the animal without needing replacement. It is important to regularly check its proper functioning with a scanner, although this is rarely necessary as microchips are very reliable.

Disadvantages of the Microchip

Requires a specific reader: To read the microchip's information, a scanner is necessary. This can be a problem if you need to verify your animal's identification outside of a veterinary or approved identification center setting.
Cost of implantation: Although relatively inexpensive to manufacture, the implantation of the microchip generally requires a veterinary visit. The cost of implantation varies by region, but it can represent an additional expense for pet owners.
Risks during implantation: Although rare, complications can occur, such as infections or reactions to the implantation. However, these risks are generally low if the procedure is performed by a qualified veterinarian under appropriate hygienic conditions.

The Tattoo

Tattooing is an identification method that involves inscribing a unique number directly on the animal's skin. Traditionally, it is usually done on the ear, the inside of the thigh, or sometimes on the front paw. Although this method was widely used in the past, it is now less preferred compared to microchipping.

Implantation Procedure

The tattoo is performed using a special clamp and qualified veterinary tattooers. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure that does not require general anesthesia, although the animal may receive local anesthesia to minimize pain and stress. The number is inscribed using special ink, which sometimes contains fluorescent pigments to make the tattoo more visible under ultraviolet light.

Advantages:

Immediate visibility: The tattoo can be read directly with the naked eye without requiring specialized equipment, which can be useful in case of quick loss of the animal in a local environment.
Quick procedure: The implantation of a tattoo is relatively quick, generally done in a few minutes.
Less invasive than the microchip: Although it is a marking procedure, tattooing does not require implantation under the skin, making it less invasive than the microchip.
Recognition by some countries: Some countries, especially in Europe, still accept tattooing as an identification method, particularly for older dogs.

Disadvantages:

Fading over time: The main disadvantage of tattooing is that it can fade over time, making it difficult to read the identification number. This can occur due to skin wear or exposure to sun and water.
Less internationally recognized: Although some countries still accept tattooing, it is often less recognized than the microchip, especially for international travel. Many countries prefer the microchip, which is harder to alter.
Less secure against falsification: Unlike the microchip, which is difficult to remove or falsify, a tattoo can, in some cases, be modified or erased, which can pose problems in case of animal theft.
Visibility and confidentiality: A tattoo, being visible, exposes the animal to greater risks of theft, as the identification number is easily accessible to anyone who picks up or closely examines the animal.

Current Usage:

Although many countries have gradually phased out tattooing in favor of microchipping, it is still common in some countries for older dogs or in regions where microchipping is not mandatory. In France, for example, tattooing is still accepted, but it is gradually being replaced by microchipping, especially for new animals. Tattooing is also still used in some Middle Eastern and African countries, but the general trend shows increasing adoption of microchipping due to its discretion and enhanced security.

Tattooing remains a valid identification method in certain contexts, but it has several limitations, particularly in terms of long-term readability and international recognition. It is increasingly being replaced by microchipping, which offers more reliable and durable identification. Nevertheless, tattooing can be a useful option in local situations or for dogs that do not require frequent travel.

Microchip or Tattoo: What Does the Law Say?

In some countries, such as France, microchipping is now mandatory for dogs born after 2011. Tattooing remains acceptable for dogs identified before this date, but it is less used for new identifications.

In the United States, microchipping is recommended but not always mandatory. Requirements vary from state to state. For example, in some states, dogs must be microchipped for adoption, but others do not have strict rules regarding identification.

In Spain, microchipping is mandatory for all dogs from birth. Tattooing, although still accepted, is less used, especially due to its visibility and inefficiency as an international tracking method.

In Brazil, legislation varies from state to state, but the general trend is that microchipping is becoming more common. It is often required for the adoption or sale of animals, and several regions prefer this method over tattooing.

Which Method to Choose?

The choice between microchip and tattoo depends on your needs and local laws. If you travel frequently with your dog, the microchip is generally preferable. For quick identification in case of loss in a local area, a tattoo may suffice.