Microchipping and registering your pet in Estonia 

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Helena Lopes / Unsplash

The Estonian Animal Protection Society (ELS) urges all pet owners to not only microchip their animals but also register the microchip. While a microchip provides a unique identification number, it only serves its purpose if the pet’s owner information is correctly entered into the register.

Importance of Microchipping and Registration

Microchipping pets is a requirement in many Estonian municipalities, and conscientious pet owners comply diligently. However, animal protection organisations and shelters often encounter cases where pets are chipped but not registered, making it difficult to reunite lost pets with their owners.

“Although pets are microchipped, the lack of registration means that shelters and clinics cannot identify the owner, which hinders the return of the lost pet,” explained Marika Martin, Coordinator for Volunteers and Foster Homes at ELS.

Five Reasons to Microchip and Register Your Pet

1. Quick Return Home

When a pet is both microchipped and registered, shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal protection organisations can swiftly identify and contact you This significantly increases the chances of your pet finding its way back home.

2. Permanent Identification

Unlike collars or tags, which can be lost or damaged, a microchip is embedded under the pet’s skin, typically on the left side of the neck. This ensures that identification is always possible, regardless of external circumstances.

3. Safety for Pets and People

Microchipping is safe and causes no discomfort to pets. The procedure is akin to a vaccination and involves a unique 15-digit number linked to the pet’s owner in the register.

4. Ease of Ownership Verification   

In disputes or cases of theft, a microchip provides a reliable means of identifying the pet’s rightful owner.

5. Enhanced Pet Population Management

Microchipping and registration help local authorities keep track of the number and movement of pets in their area. This aids in detecting illegal breeding operations, assessing the extent of stray animal issues, and monitoring the effectiveness of measures taken to address these problems.

Registries for Pets in Estonia

Estonia has three main pet registries:

• Eesti Lemmikloomaregister, managed by the veterinarian who implants the microchip.
• Kohalike Omavalitsuste Lemmikloomade Register, where pet owners can directly enter their information.
• Eesti Kennelliidu Register, intended for pedigree dogs, with data added by the breeder.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Animal Protection Estonia ELS Pet Registration Lost Pet Recovery Pet Identification Pet Microchipping Estonia Pet Safety Estonia Register Pet