Mandatory Microchipping for Pets in Poland: New Law

9 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Poland introduces mandatory pet microchipping and a national register. Learn how mandatory pet microchipping Poland affects owners and expats.

The President signed a new law that creates a national register and imposes mandatory pet microchipping Poland for dogs and cats. Consequently, owners face new duties and possible fines up to 5,000 zł.

Table of Contents

What the law requires

The law mandates microchipping and registration in a central database. Moreover, the state will run the register through the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture. Therefore, veterinarians and owners must add details to the new KROPiK system.

The rule aims to cover about 14 million animals nationwide. In addition, the government expects roughly 8 million dogs and 6 million cats to enter the system. Owners pay the chip and registration costs. However, the Ministry of Agriculture estimates a typical cost around 50 zł for each procedure. Consequently, clinics may charge slightly different prices.

Scope, penalties and timing

All dogs will fall under the obligation. Moreover, cats also enter the rule as the program expands. Owners who fail to chip and register can face fines. In addition, fines range from small amounts up to 5,000 zł. Therefore, the change introduces a real financial incentive to comply.

The law does not start immediately. The legislators included a transition period to allow preparation. Consequently, veterinarians and municipal offices can adjust their systems. Moreover, animals with existing chips only need a registry entry. Therefore, registration for already chipped pets is free for the first three years of KROPiK’s operation.

How the register will work

KROPiK will centralise records of marked pets. Moreover, shelters and animal control services will access data faster. Consequently, authorities can reunite lost pets with owners more efficiently. In addition, the register aims to reduce pet abandonment.

Veterinarians will upload chip identifiers and owner contacts. However, owners must keep their details up to date. Therefore, the system depends on accurate contact information. Owners who change address or phone must update the register promptly.

Why this matters for expats

Expats who live in Poland should note immediate practical impacts. Moreover, you must register any dog or cat you own once the transition ends. In addition, you will pay the marking and registration costs yourself. Therefore, budget a small one-off expense and occasional updates.

Poland uses several administrative terms that differ from other countries. For example, ZUS means the social insurance institution (similar to a pension office). NFZ refers to the national health fund (public health insurer). PESEL denotes the national ID number often used for registrations. Finally, a mandat means an on-the-spot fine. You may encounter these words when dealing with officials or local vets.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, check your pet documentation before KROPiK starts. Carry proof of any existing microchip. In addition, confirm whether your vet can register your animal in the new national database. Finally, keep a local contact and an updated address, because Polish officials often use PESEL (national ID) and phone numbers for records.

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