At the beginning of 2023, a law regarding the mandatory identification and registration of dogs came into effect, sparking discussions among dog owners – and for good reason. As animal caregivers at Tassu & Tassu, we see daily how important this issue is in our work. This is not unnecessary bureaucracy, but the most significant improvement in dog safety in years.
Let’s go through what dog registration practically requires, why it’s worth taking care of immediately, and how to do it most easily.
What changed? The new law in a nutshell
The essence of the law is clear: all dogs residing in Finland must be identified with a microchip and registered in the official dog register maintained by the Finnish Food Authority.
The deadlines are as follows:
- All dogs born on or after 1 January 2023 must be microchipped and registered within three months of birth.
- All dogs born before 1 January 2023 must be microchipped and registered by 31 December 2023. If this has not yet been done, please take care of it without delay.
This obligation applies to every dog owner in Finland, regardless of the dog’s breed, age, or origin.
Why is dog registration so important?
For many owners, registration may seem like an unnecessary hassle, especially if their dog stays quietly in the yard. However, daily life in a dog care facility has shown us countless times why a unified and official register is invaluable.
It’s about peace of mind.
Imagine your dog gets startled by fireworks and escapes under the fence. A finder takes it to the nearest veterinary clinic. When the dog has a chip, its identity can be confirmed with a reader in seconds. Your contact details are found in the official register, and you soon receive a call: your friend is safe.
Without a chip and registration, the same situation is a nightmare. Finding the dog relies on social media updates and word of mouth, which is extremely stressful for both the owner and the runaway.
The official register is also an effective tool against puppy farming and illegal imports. When the origin of every dog can be traced, the activities of irresponsible breeders and smugglers become significantly more difficult. This is a huge victory for animal welfare.
Dog identification and registration step by step
Don’t worry, the process is simpler than it sounds. Here are clear instructions.
Step 1: Identification, i.e., microchipping
If your dog does not have a chip, start here. A microchip is a capsule the size of a grain of rice, which a veterinarian or trained identifier inserts with a needle under the skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is quick and feels about the same as a vaccination injection.
- Where? The microchipping is done by a veterinarian or another qualified identifier.
- What does it cost? The price varies between €50 and €100 depending on the location and clinic. Microchipping is often cheaper when done alongside another visit, such as a vaccination or health check.
You will receive a certificate of the microchip, which includes the dog’s unique chip number. Keep this number safe, as you will need it for the next step.
Step 2: Notification to the Finnish Food Authority’s dog register
Once the chip is installed and you have the number, make a notification in the Finnish Food Authority’s electronic service.
- Go to: The Finnish Food Authority’s electronic service.
- Authenticate: The service requires strong identification, such as online banking credentials or a mobile certificate.
- Fill in the details: Enter your contact information and the dog’s basic details, such as date of birth, breed or description, name, and microchip number.
- Pay the fee: Registration costs €10 per dog online. The fee is €19 for paper forms.
All done! Remember to update your information in the register if your phone number or address changes, or if the dog changes homes.
What if the dog already has a chip?
Good question. Many dogs, especially purebreds, have had a chip for years and may have been registered with, for example, the Finnish Kennel Club or a breed association.
However, it is absolutely essential to understand that the dog must still be separately reported to the new, official dog register of the Finnish Food Authority. Previous registrations do not replace this legal obligation. It is sufficient to complete the step 2 described above.
How does the law affect our services at Tassu & Tassu?
The safety of the dogs in our care is at the core of our work. That’s why we are pleased with the new law – it makes our operations even safer.
In practice, we check the microchip of every dog arriving at our dog care facility or daycare as part of the normal check-in process. This ensures that every dog in our care can be reliably identified and the owner can be contacted in any situation.
Our staff, trained in animal care, is committed to looking after your pet as if it were their own. We want you to be able to leave your friend in our care with complete peace of mind. Our location in Helsinki, right next to the Raide-Jokeri and the train station, makes it easy to visit us when your journey is heading to, for example, the airport or the harbour.
So, when you are planning a holiday or business trip, we are here for you. We can also take care of smaller procedures, such as nail trimming or ear cleaning, during the care period if needed. Explore our services and conveniently book a care period through our booking system or contact us, and let’s discuss further!
Frequently asked questions
How much do dog microchipping and registration cost in total?
The costs consist of two parts: the microchip insertion by a veterinarian (approximately €50–100) and the notification to the Finnish Food Authority’s register (€10 electronically, €19 on paper). The total price is usually around €60–110 if the dog does not already have a chip.
Do I need to update the information if I move?
Yes. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to keep their contact information up to date. Updating the information is free and vital to ensure you can be reached if your dog goes missing. Any change of ownership must also be reported to the register.
What about a dog brought in from abroad?
Dogs imported to Finland for permanent residence must also be registered. If the dog already has a chip, it does not need to be chipped again. It is sufficient to report the dog and its chip number to the Finnish Food Authority’s register within four weeks of arrival in the country.
Why doesn’t the veterinarian register the dog on my behalf?
The veterinarian inserts the chip, but the actual notification to the official register is, by law, the responsibility of the dog owner. This is because registration is a matter of official business and requires strong personal identification. The veterinarian will provide you with the chip number and instructions for making the notification.
Does the law also apply to cats?
Currently, mandatory registration only applies to dogs. However, we strongly recommend microchipping cats and other pets and registering them in voluntary registers. A chip is an inexpensive life insurance that helps a lost pet find its way back home.