Spain Mandates Microchip Identification for All Domestic Cats

Spain has introduced Law 7/2023 on animal welfare, making microchip implantation a legal requirement for every domestic cat in the country. The measure aims to reduce abandonment and improve traceability, allowing authorities to identify owners quickly.

Cats must be chipped before reaching three to six months of age, or at the moment of adoption or purchase. The chip contains a unique numeric code readable only with special scanners used by veterinarians, shelters and police. For cats traveling within the EU, the microchip is required together with the European pet passport. While the national legislation sets the baseline, autonomous communities can add additional registration steps; for example, Madrid requires entry into the RIAC (Registro Informatizado de Animales de Compañía).