---
title: "I-CAD (French pet identification register) · Treats"
description: "I-CAD runs France’s national register of microchipped or tattooed dogs, cats and ferrets, on behalf of the agriculture ministry."
url: https://www.treats.vet/en/glossary/i-cad/
lang: en-GB
updated: 2026-11-07
---

[Glossary](https://www.treats.vet/en/glossary/)

# I-CADFrench pet identification register

I-CAD runs France’s national register of microchipped or tattooed dogs, cats and ferrets, on behalf of the agriculture ministry.

Identification is compulsory before 4 months for dogs, before 7 months for cats born after 1 January 2012, and before any change of ownership whatever the age. In practice, the vet identifies the animal and registers it.

The current framework is the order of 9 November 2023, in force since 18 November 2023.

## Sources

* [Order of 9 November 2023 (Légifrance)](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000048418470)
* [French agriculture ministry, pet identification](https://agriculture.gouv.fr/lidentification-des-animaux-de-compagnie-une-obligation-legale-qui-les-protege)

 Checked on 7 November 2026 · by [Amir Davies](https://www.treats.vet/en/about/amir-davies/)

## See also

* [Ordre des vétérinaires](https://www.treats.vet/en/glossary/ordre-des-veterinaires/) The Ordre des vétérinaires is the statutory body every practising vet in France must join; it keeps the register of vets and enforces professional ethics and independence (article L242-1 of the French Rural Code).