Spain Enforces Mandatory Microchip Identification for All Cats

Spain’s Law 7/2023 on animal protection makes microchip implantation compulsory for every domestic cat. Owners must have a 15‑digit microchip placed, typically before six months of age, and register the animal in the official RIAC database. The chip does not provide GPS tracking; it simply stores a unique identifier linked to the owner’s details, enabling rapid reunification if a cat is lost.

The regulation aims to improve traceability, reduce abandonment, and streamline the return of stray cats to their owners. While the national law sets the baseline, autonomous communities can impose stricter timelines or registration procedures. Compliance is enforced by veterinary clinics, animal shelters, police and the Civil Guard, with penalties for non‑compliance.