Istanbul, Turkey – As the December 31st deadline approaches, pet owners in Istanbul are reminded of the mandatory microchipping and registration of their cats, dogs, and ferrets into the Pet Identification and Registration System (PETVET).
Mandatory Microchipping: A Closer Look at the Regulations
Under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, all pets aged six months and older must be microchipped and registered by veterinary surgeons into the PETVET system by the end of the year. Pet owners who fail to comply with this regulation may face administrative fines.
Veterinary Surgeon Ece Nur Tunaman emphasized the importance of the deadline: “Microchipping can be done at authorized veterinary clinics and District Directorate of Agriculture. The chip contains the owner’s identification and contact information, as well as the animal’s species, age, breed, vaccinations, and special conditions. This information is kept in both their passport and the system. If a chip is not implanted, pet owners may encounter problems with both domestic and international travel. Additionally, they may not be able to benefit from certain services at veterinary clinics.”
Benefits of Microchipping: Beyond Compliance
The microchip acts as an identification for the animal, similar to a human ID card. It facilitates the tracking of lost or abandoned animals, helps prevent pets from being abandoned on the streets, and streamlines the monitoring of vaccinations and medical procedures. When a lost or runaway animal is brought to a clinic, the microchip can be scanned to easily identify the registered owner.
“The microchip essentially functions like our identity card,” said Tunaman. “It helps in determining the pet population, preventing animals from being abandoned on the streets, and simplifying processes like vaccination and operation tracking. When animals are lost or run away and brought to a clinic, the chip can be read to easily find the registered owner.”
However, it is important to note that microchips do not have GPS capabilities and cannot be tracked via phone. The information stored on the chip includes the owner’s identity and contact details, the animal’s species, age, breed, vaccination history, and any special conditions. This data is recorded in both the animal’s passport and the PETVET system.
Potential Penalties and Travel Restrictions
Failure to microchip pets by the December 31st deadline could lead to significant inconveniences for owners. Tunaman warned that non-compliant pet owners might face difficulties with both domestic and international travel. Furthermore, some veterinary clinics may refuse to provide certain services to unchipped animals.
While the exact amount of the administrative fine for non-compliance has not yet been finalized, it is estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,000 Turkish Liras. For animals under six months old, microchipping will continue to be possible without penalty after the new year. However, for animals over six months, the penalty will apply.
A Simple Procedure with Long-Term Benefits
Veterinary Surgeon Süleyman Tunaman reassured pet owners that the microchipping process is quick, painless, and does not require anesthesia. The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is injected under the skin, causing only a brief, mild discomfort to the animal.
“The microchip procedure is quite simple and animals are not subjected to any anesthesia,” said Tunaman. “After the chip is placed, the barcode number is registered to the pet owner. Veterinary clinics authorized by the Ministry can access this microchip information anywhere in Turkey. Through this system, it is possible to access the animal’s vaccination, operation, and travel information.”
He also highlighted the necessity of a pet passport for travel, stating, “Without a pet passport, pet owners currently cannot travel by plane or bus. Microchipping is also mandatory when traveling abroad.”
Addressing Concerns and Urging Action
Some pet owners may have concerns about the microchipping process. Tunaman clarified that the chip is injected under the skin with a slightly thicker needle, similar to a vaccination. The discomfort is minimal and temporary, and the chip poses no harm to the animal, remaining in place for life.
With the deadline fast approaching, veterinary clinics are experiencing increased demand for microchipping services. Tunaman advises pet owners with unchipped animals over six months old not to wait until the last minute, as there have been occasional shortages of microchips and potential delays in the process due to the high volume.
The regulation aims to improve the tracking of lost and abandoned animals, enhance owner responsibility, and ensure the regular monitoring of animal health records. By complying with the microchipping mandate, pet owners contribute to the welfare and safety of their beloved companions.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/istanbul/istanbul-evcil-hayvanlara-cip-taktirmak-icin-2776841
