The government of Georgia has approved a new regulation introducing a mandatory identification and registration system for pets to improve animal welfare and control.
Adopted on March 12, 2026, the resolution establishes a centralized electronic database for tracking dogs and cats across the country. The system will be administered by the National Food Agency.
Under the new rules, all pet owners and caretakers will be required to ensure their animals are properly identified and registered.
Pets may be identified using:
- Microchips
- Ear tags
The requirement applies to both owned and fostered animals, expanding oversight beyond privately owned pets.
The regulation sets clear timelines for registration:
- Existing pets: must be registered by January 1, 2027
- Newborn animals: within 30–60 days of birth
- Newly acquired pets: within 15 days of acquisition
Veterinary clinics, shelters and other animal-related institutions will be required to verify whether animals are registered and ensure identification where necessary. This provision is intended to strengthen enforcement.
The government’s unified database will:
- Track the number of pets nationwide
- Link animals to owners or caretakers
- Help prevent abandonment
- Improve the management of stray animals
Most provisions of the new system will take effect on July 1, 2026. However, some components, such as database access for relevant authorities, have already entered into force.
