Mexico City’s mandatory IDs for pets: Is Yucatán next?
Mexico City has implemented an ID system for pets to help identify wayward animals, keep track of vaccines, and avoid abandonment.
Applying online is free and involves uploading a photo of your pet, vaccine information, and the owner’s name, address, and email. With this information, users receive an email message with a password to generate the ID on the city’s website or official services app.
Mexico City’s government argues that this measure will help identify lost or stolen pets and provide authorities with ways to trace animals suspected of carrying diseases, including rabies.
Once the process is completed, pet owners are encouraged to keep a printed copy of the document or a digital version on their phone through the app or a screen capture.
Pet owners who fail to register their pets are liable for a fine of between MX$2,280 and MX$3,365 — roughly US$165.
A handful of Mexican cities and states, including Mérida, Puebla, and Nuevo León, say similar programs are in the works.
“The point of this program is to help protect everyone, pets and people alike. Obtaining the document only takes a few minutes and is free, so there is no reason not to. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said during a press conference.
Compliance with the program has been slow, with some pet owners expressing concern that the ID program could be a prelude to more invasive strategies.
Most European countries already require similar forms of ID, and several, including all EU member states, require pets to have an implanted microchip for cross-border travel.
Some pet-friendly parks or public spaces even require proof of current vaccinations, making an ID tag or microchip very helpful.
In some cities like Barcelona, it’s becoming increasingly common to see the use of DNA databases to address the issue of pet waste, particularly dog waste, in public spaces. Dog owners are required to submit a DNA sample from their pets. This is typically done through a cheek swab, which is stored in a database.
When dog waste is found in a prohibited area, a sample is collected. The DNA from the fecal sample is analyzed and compared to the profiles in the database. If a match is found, the owner of the dog is identified and the owner is assessed a fine or other type of penalty.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
