In brief
- Identification by microchip or tattoo is mandatory in France: the medallion does not replace it.
- A microchip can only be read with a scanner (vet, pound).
- An engraved tag can be read by eye, but cannot be changed.
- The QR medallion can be read with any smartphone and updated at any time.
Microchip, engraved tag, connected medallion: they are often confused, yet they do not serve the same purpose at the same moment, or for the same people.
| Criterion | Microchip | Engraved tag | QR/NFC medallion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory in France | Microchip or tattoo | No | No |
| Who can read it | Vet, pound (scanner) | Anyone, by eye | Anyone, with a smartphone |
| Information can be changed | Via the I-CAD register | No | Yes |
| Several contacts | No | Partial | Yes |
| Lost mode | No | No | Yes |
| Visible on the pet | No | Yes | Yes |
Yes YesPartial PartialNo NoPartial: depending on the space available for engraving.
The microchip: official identification
In France, identifying dogs and cats by microchip or tattoo is mandatory. It links the pet to its owner in the national I-CAD register. Its limitation: it can only be read with a scanner, which vets and pounds have. The person who finds your dog in the street cannot read it.
The engraved tag: readable, but fixed
A tag engraved with your number can be read by eye, by anyone. But space is limited, and if you change your number, you have to get a new one made.
The QR/NFC medallion: readable by anyone, up to date
The medallion can be read with any smartphone and opens a profile that you can change at any time: several contacts, useful information, lost mode. How it works is explained in how a QR/NFC medallion works.
Dog
Cat
What to put on the profile?
What to put on your pet’s digital profile?
0/4
Also remember to keep your contact details up to date on I-CAD: it is through this register that a vet or a pound will find you.
