Your dog's ID number: where to find it and what it's for

The day your dog goes missing or is stolen, you'll very quickly be asked: "Do you have their ID number?" Many owners don't know where to look. Let's sort it out now, while you have a clear head.

The numbers that can identify your dog

The microchip number (15 digits)

If your dog is microchipped, this number appears:

• on the document or sticker the vet gave you when the chip was fitted;
• in their health or vaccination record, often stuck on the first page;
• in your vet's records: a quick phone call is enough if they fitted it;
• on their passport, if they've travelled.

Can't find it anywhere? A vet can scan the microchip again with their reader in a few seconds.

The tattoo number

Tattooed in the ear or on the inner thigh, it can be read directly… as long as it hasn't faded. Write it down while it's still legible. See is a tattoo still useful?

The vaccination record

In Tunisia, this is often the most important document: it links your dog to their vet and proves their rabies vaccination, which is compulsory and free every year. It usually includes the breed, colour, date of birth and sometimes the microchip number.

Your QR tag number

If your dog wears a Homy tag, each tag has a unique code linked to your pet's profile in your account. This code is what lets anyone bring up their profile by scanning the tag.

What are these numbers for?

• Proving the dog is yours: with the police, at the vet's, in a dispute, or if your dog turns up at someone else's home.
• Getting them identified if they're taken to a vet or a shelter.
• Travelling: the microchip number is essential for international health documents.
• Searching: a precise number makes your posts more credible and helps vets check.

Our advice: a "dog file" on your phone

Create an album or folder with:

• a photo of the vaccination record and the rabies certificate;
• a photo of the microchip sticker or the written-down number;
• 3 or 4 recent photos of your dog: from the front, from the side, and of any distinctive markings;
• your vet's number.

If your dog goes missing, you'll have everything to hand to post an appeal and take the necessary steps within minutes.

The most useful number is still… yours

An ID number is for professionals. For a passer-by who finds your dog, what matters is being able to reach you quickly, with up-to-date contact details. With a Homy QR tag, whoever scans the tag alerts you in one tap, and your numbers, which you can change at any time from your account, are displayed as soon as you report your dog lost.