Pet papers explained: vaccination card, licence and pedigree
The vaccination card, the dog licence, the microchip, the pedigree and the sale contract. What each one proves, what it doesn't, and how to check it.
When you buy or adopt a cat or dog, you'll hear a lot about papers: "vaccinated with a card", "pedigree", "licensed". The right papers protect you and the animal, and fake or missing papers are one of the commonest scams. Here's a quick guide to each one.
The vaccination card
- A small booklet from the vet. Each vaccine has its vaccine sticker, the date, the clinic's stamp and the vet's signature.
- It shows the animal had certain vaccines on certain dates. It doesn't show the animal is healthy today.
- To check it, call the clinic that stamped it. A card with no stickers or stamp proves nothing.
The dog licence
- Under Law 29/2023, every dog needs a licence from the Veterinary Directorate. It costs EGP 1,000 a year and comes with an ID tag with a serial number for the collar.
- When a dog changes hands, the possession must be transferred at the directorate, for EGP 1,000.
- On BesBes, listings for dogs aged 3 months or more must include the licence number. Details in how to license your dog.
The microchip
A small chip under the skin with a number, and a certificate that goes with it. It matters if your pet gets lost, and it's needed to travel abroad. See microchipping your pet.
The pedigree
- It records ancestry: the parents and grandparents, all of the same breed, with a registry.
- For dogs in Egypt, the known registry is the Egyptian Kennel Federation (EKF), which signed a partnership contract with the international FCI in 2014. For cats there are international registries such as CFA and TICA.
- A pedigree doesn't prove the animal is healthy or calm, and it doesn't replace a dog licence.
- To check it, take the animal's name and registration number and contact the registry that issued it. A printout from no known registry isn't a pedigree.
The sale or adoption contract
There's no single official form, but a written agreement protects both sides. Include:
- the seller's and buyer's names and phone numbers;
- the animal's details: species, breed, birth date, colour, and microchip or licence number if any;
- the price, the date and the vaccination status;
- anything else you agree, such as the seller taking the animal back if a health problem shows up in the first days.
See also how to buy a pet without getting scammed.