Parliament debates mandatory microchipping bill for dogs, cats and ferrets

The Riigikogu Rural Affairs Committee has approved a bill requiring mandatory registration and microchipping of all dogs, cats and ferrets in Estonia starting 1 June 2027. The bill has been referred to the first reading in parliament.

The Riigikogu Rural Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would require all dogs, cats and ferrets in Estonia to be registered and microchipped starting 1 June 2027. The bill has been referred to the first reading in parliament.

Mandatory microchipping would help improve the traceability of pets and reduce the number of stray animals. The microchip enables lost or abandoned animals to be quickly linked to their owners, which simplifies the work of shelters and animal welfare organisations.

When the bill comes into force in 2027, owners of all the aforementioned animal species will be required to register their pets and equip them with a microchip. More detailed requirements and implementation details will become clear during the legislative process.