Pet ID

Identifying your pet with a microchip

All pets require some form of identification. Purebred dogs and cats may be tattooed, ID tags attached to collars provide readily understood information (although these can be easily removed) and microchips can be scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter. The procedure of microchipping is virtually painless, is not too costly and provides excellent protection. However, ideally, more than one ID increases the likelihood your lost or stolen animal will be returned.

Please note: By law, all dogs and cats within the City of Gatineau and some other communities also need to be licensed and carry an identification tag.

What is a Microchip?

Even with good care, some pets do stray from their homes and become lost or stolen. Sadly, many animals don't return home because their owners cannot be located. Tags can be lost, damaged, chewed, become unreadable or simply not worn. A microchip stays with your pet for life and guarantees your pet will always be able to be identified. The chip, which is easily injected just beneath the skin by your veterinarian (no anaesthetic required) is about the same size as a small grain of rice and contains an ID number. This ID number is linked to the contact information you provide. It is therefore important to update this information if your address or telephone number changes.

In 2005 a review process was established by the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) that allows for the recognition of radio frequency identification (RFID) products that meet the requirements of the revised Canadian standard for electronic identification of companion animals. For more information, click on:

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