Registering a dog in Cyprus: microchip, licence and responsibilities
What dog owners need to check: microchips, local council licences, contact details, lost dogs and changes to the regulations for 2026.
Checked: 28 September 2026.
What is the purpose of registering a pet?
Dog owners in Cyprus need to distinguish between the animal’s microchip identification, the registration of the owner’s details and the licence issued by the local authority. These are related but not interchangeable procedures. Veterinary records, a travel passport and a contract with an animal shelter are also not a substitute for proof of municipal registration.
The rules for cats and dogs should not be confused. The amendments to the law on dogs, which the relevant ministry announced in 2026, relate specifically to dogs. For cats, please check the requirements regarding identification, travel and care separately with your vet and your local authority; do not assume that the licensing procedure is the same.
Start with your pet’s file: date of birth or estimated age, microchip number, pedigree documents, veterinary history, and the owner’s address and telephone number. After moving house, update your contact details wherever they are registered. A microchip without a valid telephone number is much less effective at identifying the animal.
Chip, data and local licence
The Ministry states that the amended law requires dogs to be identified by a microchip from the age of two months and to wear a tag bearing the licence number and the owner’s telephone number. Before taking any action, please check the published text and the transitional provisions: the news report on the law’s adoption does not set out all the procedures for its implementation.
An annual licence for a dog must be obtained from the relevant local authority. The Animal Welfare Officer’s office specifies the required documents, including health and registration details. Please check with your local council or municipality for the specific form, fee, deadlines and acceptable methods of submission, rather than following the example of a neighbouring area.
Check that the microchip number matches the one on the veterinary certificate, the local authority form and the scanner. Keep a copy of the payment receipt and the licence expiry date, and set a reminder for renewal. If your telephone number or address has changed, ask which registers need updating; simply changing the address on the owner’s passport is not sufficient.
A pet owner’s day-to-day responsibilities
When out walking, keep your dog under control and follow local rules regarding lead requirements, picking up after your dog, and access to beaches or parks. Signs in specific areas are important: an open space does not necessarily mean your dog can run free. For large or anxious dogs, plan your route in advance to ensure a safe distance from people and other animals.
Ensure your pet has access to water, shade, food and veterinary care, taking the heat into account. Do not leave your pet in a locked car, and do not assume that a slightly open window will solve the problem. If your pet shows signs of overheating or injury, contact your vet; advice found online is no substitute for an urgent assessment of your pet’s condition.
Agree amongst family members who is responsible for feeding, walking, medication and liaising with the vet. Explain to guests and children the boundaries of interacting with the pet. Even a calm pet may be frightened by pain or loud noises; a child should never be left alone with a dog without adult supervision.
Loss, discovery and change of ownership
If your dog goes missing, please report this to your local authority and the organisation that holds the microchip details; please provide a current telephone number. The Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare reminds owners of the need to report the loss or death of an animal. Please check the official channel and the correct form for reporting so that the record is not incorrect.
If you find a pet, it is advisable to contact a vet or your local microchip reading service. Do not publicly disclose other people’s personal details, and do not hand the animal over to someone based solely on a photograph. Ask for confirmation of ownership and follow the instructions of the relevant authority if the owner cannot be found.
When transferring ownership of a pet, draw up a written document stating the date, microchip number and contact details of both parties; update the owner’s details in the relevant systems. The previous owner should not remain the sole point of contact on the register. If the animal was adopted from a shelter, check who is specifically responsible for updating the record following the adoption.
Moving house and travelling
Before moving house within Cyprus, check whether you need to cancel your previous local authority licence and apply for a new one at your new address. Keep your receipts and a record of your previous addresses. Your tenancy agreement and the house rules may set out specific conditions regarding pets, which you should clarify before signing the agreement and paying the deposit.
When travelling abroad, there are additional requirements regarding identification, vaccinations and documentation. These vary depending on the destination country and route, so please check the official veterinary regulations in advance. A local licence and tag are useful when out for a walk, but they are not a substitute for your pet’s travel documents.
If your pet has been recently imported, gather together the border crossing documents, microchip registration and local licence. Ask your vet to check whether the existing microchip is readable and how to transfer the contact details. Do not have a second microchip fitted without professional advice simply because the number cannot be found in a single database.
Where can I check the requirements?
Start with the Ministry’s official statement on the dog law, then visit your local council’s registration section. The Nicosia page shows an example of the form, but does not set out the procedure for the whole country. In the event of any discrepancies, ask your local authority to confirm the current requirements in writing.
The vet is responsible for the medical aspects and can help with reading the microchip; the local authority officer is responsible for the licence and the local procedure. Keep these roles separate to ensure you receive a complete set of documents. In case of any disputes, keep a record of the dates of any phone calls and letters that formed the basis of the decision.
The sources were checked on 28 September 2026. Amendments to the 2026 Act may be accompanied by subordinate legislation and transitional periods; please check the current text and the relevant authority’s guidance before registration. This guide is not a substitute for veterinary advice or a legal assessment of a specific dispute.
A practical weekly plan
On the first day, gather your pet’s microchip number, veterinary certificate and proof of address, then check the owner’s details with the vet. Check with your local council for a list of the required documents, the fee and the procedure for obtaining a licence. Check that the number matches on all documents and correct any discrepancies before payment.
Once you have received your licence, check the tag and your mobile number, set a reminder for renewal and keep a copy of the receipt. For families, make a note of the contact details of your vet, the local authority and the person who will look after your pet whilst you are away. These simple steps are more useful than just having a random photo of the licence on your mobile.
Check that your contact details are up to date and inspect the condition of the tag every few months. If you move house, change your mobile phone or change ownership, do not wait for the annual renewal: report the change straight away. In the event of loss or illness, contact the relevant service and your vet, and keep a record of your enquiry.
Continue planning
- Returns and warranties in Cyprus: the buyer’s rights
- Postal parcels in Cyprus: tracking and collection
- Electricity bills in Cyprus: how to read and check them