There exist four officially sanctioned microchip databases authorized by DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) in Ireland. These are:

In accordance with legal statutes, it is mandatory for dog owners in Ireland to have their pets registered on one of these databases. All pertinent information regarding registration status is shared with EuroPetNet, facilitating the swift identification of lost and found dogs across Europe.

To either sell a dog or possess a canine over 12 weeks old not listed on these databases constitutes a violation of the law. You can ascertain the microchip status of your dog through this link. The regulatory framework governing microchipping primarily resides in S.I. No. 63/2015 – Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015 (MODR 2015) [click].

Merely microchipping your dog is insufficient; ensuring its full registration in your name is equally imperative. Failure to register appropriately may impede efforts to reunite you with your pet if it strays. The breeder is typically considered the first registered owner.

Minister Micheal Creed announced the adoption of new microchip measures and the endorsement of specific databases via a press release in 2016. The full press release can be accessed here: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2016/december/title,104581,en.html

Should your dog not be listed on the approved databases, namely Animark, Fido, IKC, or Irish Coursing Club, it can be transferred to one of these seamlessly. Typically, a nominal administrative fee, usually less than €20 per microchip, is associated with this process.

It is permissible and legal to register your dog on multiple databases concurrently. This can be advantageous in instances where one database experiences processing delays due to postal issues, veterinary batch submissions, or seasonal fluctuations. In such cases, it's advisable to procure all registration papers for each relevant database.

There are two primary reasons for transferring microchip registrations: the previous owner's name remains attached, or the dog is registered on a non-Irish database. Although there may be exceptions, these scenarios encompass the majority.

If your dog's registration is not under your name, a transfer is essential before any sale. Without your contact details on record, the database cannot facilitate the return of your dog if it goes missing.

All dogs intended for sale, those aged 12 weeks or older, and imported dogs must be registered within 21 days of entering Ireland or being sold within the country. Non-compliance may result in fines or penalties.

Here are links to approved Irish databases for registration/transfer initiation. Administrative charges usually apply:

Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, with subsequent registration on EuroPetNet. A certificate detailing transfer protocols to new owners is issued upon completion.

Using these registries as the sole microchip registration location is impermissible. Dogs may be registered on multiple databases simultaneously, but registration on at least one approved Irish database is mandatory.

Similarly, reliance solely on UK-approved microchip databases is disallowed. Even if living near the border or in Northern Ireland, registration on an Irish database is obligatory. Fifteen databases approved for use in the UK are listed for reference.

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