Poland enacts KROPiK pet ID register to tackle stray dogs and cats

Poland's president signed the Krajowy Rejestr Oznakowanych Psów i Kotów (KROPiK) law, establishing a nationwide electronic system that requires all dogs and cats to be micro‑chipged and recorded. The register will be managed by the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR). Enforcement powers are granted to police, veterinary inspection services and municipal guards; where these are absent, local mayors, town mayors or city presidents may conduct checks.

Owners must chip dogs by the first rabies vaccination or before a change of ownership, and cats by three months of age or before transfer. Animals imported into Poland must be tagged within 14 days of entry. Failure to comply carries a fine of up to 5,000 zł per pet. Cats that freely roam on agricultural farms are exempt from mandatory tagging. The government announced an educational campaign to inform owners and officials, while ministries work on building the digital database.

Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka called the measure a decisive step to reduce animal homelessness, noting broad support from over 100 organisations that advocated for the law.