Portugal has introduced a digital identification document for pets, allowing owners to store official animal records on their smartphones, a move aimed at enhancing animal traceability and public health.
Companion animal owners can now access the Animal Identification Document (DIAC) directly through the national gov.pt mobile application. This digital document holds full legal validity for official purposes.
The DIAC includes mandatory information for inspections, such as the animal’s transponder number, name, species, breed, and details about its owner. It also confirms sterilization status and the validity of rabies vaccinations.
This initiative strengthens efforts to track companion animals across the country. It specifically seeks to combat abandonment and promote public health through the “One Health” concept, which links animal well-being to human and environmental health.
More than four million animals are currently registered within the national Companion Animal Information System (SIAC). This widespread registration provides a robust foundation for the new digital system.
The development of this digital feature is the result of a collaborative effort. Key partners include the Agency for the Technological Reform of the State (ARTE), which developed the application, alongside the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) and the National Union of Veterinary Doctors.
The gov.pt application functions as a centralized digital wallet, integrating various public services that were previously available across multiple platforms. This consolidation aims to offer citizens more practical access to digital government services.
Beyond pet documents, the app provides access to 28 official digital documents with legal standing. These include the national Citizen Card and Driving License. The platform also enables users to digitally sign documents.