Frequently asked questions
When a cat that was previously registered as “Export” is once again permanently residing in Belgium, its details must be updated in CatID.
To do this, the new keeper must contact a licensed Belgian veterinarian. The veterinarian will verify the cat’s identification, identify the new keeper, and ask them to authenticate using a method of their choice. The veterinarian will then update the cat’s details in the CatID database.
After the update, the cat’s status will be changed automatically so that the cat is once again registered as residing in Belgium.
The registration of a sterilisation can only be carried out by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian records the sterilisation in CatID and subsequently confirms the accuracy of the information using an approved authentication method.
Important:
- A sterilisation cannot be registered by the cat’s keeper.
- The registration of a sterilisation can only be carried out by a licensed veterinarian.
- Notifications of sterilisation cannot be submitted by email, telephone, or post. They must be registered directly in the CatID database by the veterinarian.
If a cat’s European pet passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, a licensed veterinarian can issue a new passport.
The veterinarian will first verify the cat’s identity using the microchip number. The veterinarian will then determine which information, such as vaccination records and other relevant details, can be transferred to the new passport.
For the issuance of a new European pet passport, a licensed veterinarian should be contacted.
Important: CatID only manages the identification and registration data of cats. Passports are neither issued nor stored by CatID. Only a licensed veterinarian can issue a new European pet passport.
For questions regarding the mandatory sterilisation of cats, you can contact the competent Animal Welfare Department of the Region where the cat resides. Sterilisation regulations may differ depending on the Region.
For a complete overview of the applicable obligations, it is recommended that you also consult the information provided below.
https://bienetreanimal.wallonie.be/home/animaux/animaux-de-compagnie/sterilisation-des-chats.html
Cats travelling abroad must have a European pet passport. This passport is standardised across the Member States of the European Union and contains, among other things, the cat’s identification details and information on vaccinations, such as rabies vaccination.
For travel abroad, the cat must be identified with a microchip. This identification is mandatory in order to obtain a European pet passport.
The European pet passport may only be issued by a licensed veterinarian after the cat has been identified.
For additional information, it is recommended that you also consult the information below.
The details of a registered cat can be viewed by entering the cat’s microchip number.
If the microchip number is not known, you can use the “Show my cats” option. After authenticating using a method of your choice, an overview will be displayed of all cats linked to the keeper’s identity in the CatID database.
Important: Only cats registered in the CatID database can be viewed in this way. Cats registered in another database will not be visible.
Mandatory registration does not apply to cats accompanying their keeper during a stay of less than six months in Belgium.
When a cat is lost, stolen, or deceased, this must be recorded in the CatID database as soon as possible by the cat’s keeper or by a licensed veterinarian.
To do so, the cat’s status must be changed to “Lost”, “Stolen”, or “Dead”.
After the declaration has been submitted, the change must be validated using a recognised authentication method. Once validated, the cat’s status is automatically updated in the CatID database.
Important:
Reports of loss, theft, or death cannot be submitted by email, telephone, or post.
These changes must always be registered through the CatID platform or by a licensed veterinarian.
When a lost or stolen cat is found, its status must be updated so that the information recorded in the database remains accurate and up to date.
When a cat carries an unreadable microchip, a new readable microchip must be implanted by a licensed veterinarian.
If the passport mentions the number of the microchip that has become unreadable, the passport is no longer valid. If the keeper travels with the cat, the veterinarian must issue a new passport indicating the number of the new microchip and register this number in the database.
In Belgium, only a licensed veterinarian is allowed to identify an animal. The veterinarian checks that the microchip is readable, implants the microchip, and then verifies its correct placement.
The microchip is implanted subcutaneously in the middle of the left side of the neck.
A microchip may not be removed, altered, falsified, or reused.
No microchip may be implanted in a cat that already has a readable microchip.
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When a cat leaves for another country and will no longer reside in Belgium, this must be registered in CatID. This notification can be made either by the cat’s keeper or by a licensed veterinarian.
To do so, the cat’s status in the database must be changed to “Export”. This change must then be validated through authentication using a method of the user's choice.
It is not possible to register a foreign address in the database. If the cat moves abroad permanently, the keeper must personally complete any required formalities in the destination country, in accordance with the regulations applicable there.
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A keeper’s personal details and contact information can be viewed and modified online by entering the cat’s microchip number. Through the “Additional Actions” option and after authentication, the keeper can consult their details and, if necessary, update them.
If you move to a new address, the address registered in CatID must also be updated. Changes made directly by the keeper through the online platform are free of charge.
Once the changes have been registered, the data is automatically updated in the database.
If the keeper does not have the necessary authentication methods, a licensed veterinarian can make the changes on their behalf.
Important: Requests to change personal details, contact information, or address details cannot be submitted by email, telephone, or post. They must be made either through the online platform or through a licensed veterinarian.
A change of keeper between private individuals, or from a private individual to a registered breeder, is carried out through the CatID online application.
Are both parties present?The current keeper initiates the transfer through the online application and authenticates using a method of their choice. The new keeper then also authenticates using a method of their choice to confirm the transfer.
Once both parties have authenticated themselves and confirmed the transfer, the change is processed immediately.
Are both parties not present?The new keeper can contact a veterinarian. The veterinarian identifies the new keeper and asks them to authenticate using a method of their choice. The veterinarian then starts the request to change the registered keeper.
A request for the change is subsequently sent to the current keeper.
- If the current keeper approves the request, the change is processed immediately.
- If the current keeper rejects the request, the application is cancelled.
- If the current keeper does not respond within 21 days, the change is carried out automatically.
After a successful change, the new keeper will receive the cat’s registration certificate by email.
The list of cat breeds recognised in Belgium can be downloaded here.
Animals belonging to a recognised breed are registered in the database under the name of that breed.
Animals that do not belong to a recognised breed are registered as “Felis Vulgaris”.
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IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE
Before identifying the animal, the veterinarian checks whether a readable microchip has already been implanted.
The veterinarian verifies that the microchip is readable, implants the microchip, and then checks that it has been correctly positioned.
The microchip is implanted subcutaneously in the middle of the left side of the neck.
A microchip may not be removed, altered, falsified, or reused. No microchip is implanted in a cat that already carries a readable microchip.
If the cat comes from abroad, the veterinarian also checks for the presence of the microchip and verifies that the microchip number matches the number stated in the animal’s passport
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
After the cat has been identified:
- The veterinarian registers the details of the cat and the keeper immediately, and no later than eight days afterwards, in the database.
- The veterinarian validates the accuracy of the information by authenticating with an authentication method of their choice (electronic identity card, itsme®, or MyGov).
- The veterinarian provides the registration certificate to the keeper.
CatID does not send the registration certificate to the cat’s keeper by post or by email.
After your cat has been identified and registered, the veterinarian receives the registration certificate in digital format. The veterinarian will then provide it to you, either electronically or as a printed copy. We recommend that you keep this document in a safe place.
If you have lost the certificate, you can download a duplicate through the CatID online application. Search for your cat using its microchip number, authenticate yourself, and then download the registration certificate. You may also print it if you wish.
If you are unable to download the certificate, you can request a new copy from your veterinarian.
25/01/24 – Order of the Walloon Government on the Identification and Registration of Cats and Repealing the Order of the Walloon Government of 28 April 2016 on the Identification and Registration of Cats
23/05/24 – Order of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region on the Identification and Registration of Cats
24/05/24 – Decree of the Flemish Government on the Identification, Registration and Sterilisation of Cats
We refer to the law dated 14 August 1986 concerning animal protection and welfare.
We refer to the laws in force:
24/05/2024 - Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering over de identificatie, registratie en sterilisatie van katten
23/05/2024 - Arrêté du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale relatif à l'identification et l'enregistrement des chats / Besluit van de Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Regering betreffende de identificatie en registratie van katten
25/01/2024 - Arrêté du Gouvernement wallon relatif à l'identification et l'enregistrement des chats et abrogeant l'arrêté du Gouvernement wallon du 28 avril 2016 relatif à l'identification et l'enregistrement des chats
The following people have access to the database:
- 1: Keepers have access to all data concerning their own cats;
- 2: The competent authorities in application of the law dated 14 August 1986 concerning animal protection and welfare, and the law dated 24 March 1987 concerning animal health;
- 3: Veterinarians, shelters, and any person who has the animal's microchip number, for the data required to locate the keeper of a stray, lost, or abandoned cat.
- 4: Veterinarians can access all data concerning cats and for which the keeper requests modifications.
The obligation to register cats in Belgium does not apply in the following cases:
- 1: Cats brought to Belgium by their keeper for a visit lasting less than six months;
- 2: Cats bred for the purpose of animal testing.
The database is kept up to date, collecting data concerning identified cats and their keepers.
The purpose of this database is to provide:
1. An effective way to search for the keeper when an abandoned or lost cat is found;
2. Monitoring of compliance with the obligation to identify and sterilise cats;
3. Monitoring of compliance with the conditions for approval of shelters and breeders;
4. Monitoring of sales and movements of cats.
Cats that come from abroad and have already been identified with a microchip must be registered by a licensed Belgian veterinarian within eight days of their arrival in Belgium.
During the registration process, the veterinarian checks the presence of the microchip and verifies that the microchip number corresponds to the number stated in the animal’s passport. The details of the cat and of the keeper are then registered in the central CatID database.
The database contains:
- 1: Data concerning the cat:
- a) Identification number (microchip or electronic chip);
- b) Date of birth;
- c) Identification date;
- d) Gender;
- e) Date of sterilisation;
- f) Breed;
- g) Colour and type of fur;
- h) Name;
- i) Status: lost, stolen, deceased, exported;
- 2: Data concerning the keeper:
- a) Last name and first name;
- b) Identification number in the national register;
- c) Full address;
- d) Telephone number;
- e) E-mail address;
- f) Certification number, where applicable;
- 3: Data concerning the veterinarian:
- a) Identification Number of the Order;
- b) Last name and first name;
- c) Address;
Data concerning the cat is stored for a maximum of 30 years, including data concerning the former keeper in the event of a change of keeper.