Dog owners to register pets in new central database

Dog owners in Czechia will be required to register their pets in a new Central Dog Register from July 1, the Czech News Agency reported on Saturday, citing the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons and the Agriculture Ministry. Dogs must be entered into the database by their next rabies vaccination at the latest, with fines of up to 300,000 crowns for non-compliance.

The register will contain basic information about each dog, including identification and vaccination records, as well as contact details for owners. The aim is to help trace lost animals, make it easier to identify their owners and curb illegal pet trading.

The requirement will apply to all dogs. With more than 2.2 million dogs in Czechia, veterinarians expect the database to be filled gradually over the coming years.