Dogs in database

Take the opportunity to register for free!

When "Bello" escapes, the shock for the owners is profound. But the anxious hours could be shortened if the lost dog is not only chipped but also registered in the official database. But this happens far too rarely! The City of Vienna is now launching a major campaign where dog owners can do this for free.  

In Vienna, around 500 stray dogs are found every year and temporarily taken to the city's animal shelter. In the best case scenario, the owners can be notified immediately and pick up their beloved four-legged friend.

However, this only works if the dog has been properly chipped by the vet and the owner's contact details have been recorded accordingly - and this is the crux of the matter!

Over half not registered
"We notice that runaway dogs are very often already chipped but not registered in the pet database, even though the Animal Welfare Act requires this," says Ruth Jily, Head of the Veterinary Office. Around 60 percent of the dogs can therefore no longer be returned.

Animal Welfare Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky and Head of the Veterinary Office Ruth Jily draw attention to the free campaign(Bild: Stadt Wien/Martin VOTAVA)

Ignorance is rife
However, many dog owners are not even aware of this fact because they assume that the vet will take care of everything. This is far from the case, as the chip is often inserted at the vet's surgery, but no one advises you of the further steps required. 

How do I know if my pet is registered?
By entering the microchip number, you can easily check yourself whether the contact details can be called up in the pet database for the animal shelter if the worst comes to the worst.  

If the self-test does not show the name of the animal and who to contact if the dog is found, you should register it as soon as possible.  

Free campaign by the City of Vienna
From March 26 to October 2024, Stadtservice Wien and TierQuarTier are offering the opportunity to register dogs in the pet database free of charge and without complications. 

How to take part in the campaign:

• Cell phone signature/ID Austria signature OR
• Photo ID
• Proof of the dog's chip number (e.g. visible in the vaccination certificate)
• Registration is not necessary
• Dates can be found here
• The chipping itself is not possible on site, this is done by the vet

It's that simple
Dog owners who still have a valid cell phone signature or already have a valid ID-Austria signature can have their chipped dog registered online with the support of Stadtservice Wien. All others need a photo ID and proof of the dog's chip number (such as a vaccination certificate) for registration using a form that can be filled out on site. The dog itself does not have to come with you.

Only the vet can chip
"If you bring your dog with you, it must wear a lead and muzzle and wait outside the Stadtservice Wien mobile office," says Ruth Jily. "Pre-registration is not necessary. Please note that your dog cannot be chipped on site!"

Severe penalties
The Vienna Dog Team has also recently stepped up checks on the streets of Vienna to ensure that dogs are registered and provides comprehensive information. "Krone" animal corner boss Maggie Entenfellner also welcomes the city's initiative and warns defaulting dog owners: "The Animal Protection Act stipulates a fine of up to €3,750 if dogs are not chipped or registered."