The DIAC, Companion Animal Identification Document, is mandatory in Portugal for dogs, cats and ferrets and functions as the animals’ true identity card. This document brings together all the legal information about the pet and its owner and is essential for traveling, complying with the law and avoiding high fines.
Having a companion animal involves legal duties that go far beyond daily care. Registration in the Companion Animal Information System and possession of the DIAC are obligations provided for by law and apply to the vast majority of owners in Portugal, according to the specialized economics portal Ekonomista.
DIAC and what it is for
The DIAC is the official document that identifies dogs, cats and ferrets registered in SIAC, the national database that centralizes information on companion animals. It works in a similar way to a Citizen Card, bringing together the essential data of the animal and its holder in a single document.
Created under Decree-Law No. 82/2019, the DIAC can exist in physical format, on paper, or in digital format, sent by email. Since October last year, it has also been available on the GOV.PT application, allowing the document to always be accessible on your cell phone.
Who is required to have this document
The mandatory DIAC applies to all owners of dogs, cats and ferrets residing in Portugal. Includes animals born in the country or that remain here for more than 120 days.
For animals born after October 25, 2019, registration must be carried out up to four months of age. Older animals were also subject to specific deadlines, which have now been exceeded. Only dogs belonging to the Armed Forces, security forces and animals used in research centers, which follow their own regimes, are excluded, according to the same source.
What information is contained in the DIAC
The document includes the animal’s microchip number, species, breed, sex and date of birth. It also contains the holder’s data, such as name, civil identification number, NIF, address and contact details. The veterinarian responsible for appointments, anti-rabies vaccination and, when applicable, sterilization are also registered. All this information can be updated whenever necessary through SIAC.
When is it mandatory to present the DIAC
The DIAC must accompany the animal on all movements within the national territory. The authorities may request your presentation at any time, as an alternative to the animal’s health report or passport. For travel to other European Union countries, the DIAC does not replace the Pet Passport, which continues to be mandatory to prove compliance with European health rules.
Failure to register with SIAC or the absence of DIAC can result in fines between 50 and 3,740 euros for natural persons. In the case of legal entities, fines can reach 44,890 euros. In addition to the fine, the law provides for additional sanctions, such as the loss of the animal in favor of the State, the prohibition of carrying out activities related to animals, the loss of public subsidies or the closure of establishments, according to the source previously cited.
How to obtain the document
The process of obtaining the DIAC must be carried out by a veterinarian. It is at this moment that the microchip is inserted, a small device the size of a grain of rice, applied with a quick injection, without anesthesia.
After electronic booking, the veterinarian registers with SIAC. The system automatically issues the DIAC, which can be delivered on paper or sent by email to the holder. Whenever there are changes, such as change of owner, change of address, disappearance or death of the animal, this information must be communicated to SIAC.
The update can be done online through the SIAC portal for holders, using the Digital Mobile Key or Citizen Card. It is also possible to handle the process in veterinary clinics, parish councils or directly with SIAC services, according to the same source.
How much does it cost to register an animal
The official SIAC registration fee is 2.50 euros per animal. To this amount are added the costs of the microchip, veterinary consultation and professional fees. In private clinics, the total cost is, on average, around 30 euros, which may vary depending on the location. Animals coming from official collection centers are exempt from the registration fee.
In the case of dogs, there is also an annual license from the parish council, and the first year is free after registration with SIAC.
According to , it is advisable to always keep a digital copy of the DIAC on your cell phone, especially through the GOV.PT application. Having the document accessible avoids problems during unexpected inspections. Anyone who adopts or purchases an animal must immediately confirm that the registration is correct and that ownership has been properly transferred. Failure to follow these steps can result in avoidable legal problems and fines.
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