A project to introduce pet identification and registration was recently presented in Kyiv, marking a significant step towards improving animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Ukraine. The initiative, which involves the launch of the Unified State Register of Pets, aims to streamline the process of issuing veterinary passports and digitize official documents for animals. This groundbreaking project was reported by UNN, with information sourced from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Traditionally, only state veterinary institutions were authorized to issue official documents for animals. However, with the implementation of this project, private veterinary clinics will also be able to issue state-issued passports to pets that are part of the initiative. This will provide pet owners with more convenient access to essential documentation for their animals, promoting better record-keeping and ensuring that important information is readily available.
One of the key features of the project is the ability for pet owners to register their animals in the Unified State Register of Pets during a visit to a veterinarian. This process will result in the creation of an electronic veterinary passport that stores comprehensive information about the animal, including vaccination history. In the event that a paper veterinary passport is lost, this digital record can be used to retrieve essential data, ensuring that the animal’s health information is always accessible.
Animal registration plays a crucial role in facilitating the identification and return of lost pets to their owners. By registering pets in the Unified State Register, owners can significantly increase the chances of reuniting with their beloved companions if they go missing. This is particularly important in Ukraine, where the number of stray animals increases by 60% annually, according to the animal protection initiative Save Pets of Ukraine.
Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Denys Bashlyk emphasized the importance of implementing a pet identification and registration system, citing it as an effective European practice that not only helps regulate the population of stray animals but also aids in combating rabies. This initiative represents a holistic approach to animal welfare, addressing key issues related to pet ownership and public health.
The project is being rolled out in two stages, with the first phase set to commence in the fall. During this stage, the Unified State Register of Pets will be launched, and pet owners will have the opportunity to register their animals during visits to participating veterinarians. The service will be provided free of charge by state and licensed private veterinarians who are part of the project, ensuring widespread access to registration services.
In the future, the project aims to integrate the Unified State Register with international pet databases, including Europetnet, further enhancing the traceability and identification of pets. This innovative approach to pet registration represents a significant digital initiative in the field of veterinary medicine in Ukraine, paving the way for improved animal welfare and responsible pet ownership practices.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Unified State Register of Pets in Ukraine signifies a major milestone in promoting responsible pet ownership and enhancing animal welfare standards. By digitizing veterinary passports and streamlining the registration process, this project aims to improve the overall management of pet populations and facilitate the safe return of lost animals to their owners. With the support of state and private veterinarians, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of pets across the country.