Lost Pet: Why Checking Your I-CAD Contact Details Can Make All the Difference

Every year, many lost dogs and cats in France are reunited with their families thanks to identification. However, one essential detail is sometimes forgotten: keeping the contact information registered with I-CAD up to date.

A new telephone number, a house move, or a change of email address can make it much harder to contact you quickly if your pet is found.

What Is I-CAD?

I-CAD is the French national identification database for domestic carnivores.

When a dog, cat, or ferret is identified by microchip or tattoo in France, information relating to the animal and its registered holder is recorded in this system.

The database can help to:

• identify a found animal;

• contact the registered holder;

• link the animal with its registration records;

• support certain administrative procedures.

Why Should You Keep Your Contact Details Updated?

Many people assume that having a microchip or tattoo is enough.

But identification is much less useful if the telephone number, address, or email associated with the record is no longer valid.

Keeping the information current can make it much easier for a veterinarian, shelter, pound, or other authorised professional to reach you quickly.

Details should be checked especially after:

• changing your telephone number;

• moving home;

• changing your email address;

• changing your name or other relevant personal details.

What Should You Do If Your Pet Goes Missing?

If your dog, cat, or other identified companion disappears, acting quickly is important.

Useful steps may include:

• declaring the animal missing through the appropriate I-CAD procedure;

• contacting veterinary clinics in the area;

• contacting local shelters and animal pounds;

• sharing a clear missing-pet notice on social media and local groups;

• putting up posters in the surrounding area where permitted.

Beginning the search quickly and making accurate information widely available can improve the chances of a successful reunion.

Identification Is an Important Legal Requirement in France

France has legal identification requirements for dogs and cats, with the exact rules depending on the animal and circumstances.

Beyond the legal requirement, identification is one of the most useful tools for reuniting a found animal with its registered family.

A microchip can be scanned by appropriately equipped professionals, allowing them to retrieve the identification number and use the official system to help locate the registered contact details.

A Few Minutes Can Make a Big Difference

Checking your contact information takes very little time but can prevent major difficulties later.

An identification record containing accurate and current details makes it much easier for someone to contact you if your companion is found.

In Conclusion

Our animals are an important part of our families.

Taking a few minutes to check the information linked to their identification is a simple precaution that can become extremely important if they ever go missing.

Identification works best when the information behind it is kept up to date.