The Sistema do Cadastro Nacional de Animais Domésticos, commonly known as SinPatinhas, was officially launched by the Brazilian federal government on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This innovative initiative allows pet owners across the country to register their dogs and cats, creating a unique identification system that aims to enhance the protection and welfare of pets nationwide.
SinPatinhas serves as an "RG Animal," or Animal ID, which will be accessible to pet owners, rescue organizations, and municipalities at no cost. The registration process is entirely voluntary and can be completed through the Gov.br portal, the federal government's online service platform.
The new system includes a QR Code on the identification card, which can be affixed to the pet's collar. This feature is particularly useful in case of lost animals, as it enables anyone who finds the pet to quickly locate its owner, facilitating a swift reunion.
According to government statistics, Brazil is home to approximately 62.2 million dogs and 30.8 million cats, with an alarming 35% of these animals living on the streets or in shelters. The implementation of SinPatinhas is a crucial step towards addressing the issue of stray animals, promoting responsible pet ownership, and combating abandonment and mistreatment.
The initiative is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and aims to create a comprehensive national database that provides essential data on the population of pets in Brazil. This data will help the government to direct its efforts more effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that support animal welfare.
Registration in the SinPatinhas system requires pet owners to provide specific information about both themselves and their pets. This includes the owner's identity, CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), and address, as well as details about the animal such as breed, sex, age, vaccination history, and any medical conditions. Pet owners are also responsible for updating the registry in case of changes, such as the sale, donation, or death of the pet.
Microchipping is another significant aspect of the registration process. While microchipping is not mandatory for registration, pet owners who choose to have their animals microchipped can include this information in the registry. A microchip is a small electronic device implanted under the skin of the animal, containing a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. This permanent form of identification enhances the chances of lost pets being returned to their owners.
Once registered, pet owners will also receive important information regarding public campaigns for spaying/neutering, vaccination, and microchipping available in their region. This initiative aims to increase awareness and accessibility to essential veterinary services.
In addition to facilitating pet registration, the federal government intends to support states and municipalities in their spaying/neutering and microchipping programs, particularly for low-income individuals and those in vulnerable situations. This support will help ensure that all pet owners have access to necessary veterinary care, regardless of their financial situation.
As part of the broader Programa Nacional de Proteção e Manejo Populacional Ético de Cães e Gatos (ProPatinhas), SinPatinhas was developed to enhance the ethical population control of dogs and cats in Brazil. This program emphasizes responsible pet ownership and seeks to mitigate the issues related to stray animals.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially launched both SinPatinhas and ProPatinhas, which stem from Law 15.046/2024. This law allows for the creation of the registry without imposing any taxes or fees on pet owners. The government's goal is to improve the management and planning of actions related to animal welfare without imposing financial burdens on pet owners.
Importantly, while the SinPatinhas system will generate valuable data about the pet population, the government has assured that personal data will be protected under the General Law on Data Protection (LGPD). Public access to this data will be limited to what is necessary to support public policies, ensuring the privacy and protection of personal information.
For those interested in registering their pets, the SinPatinhas system is already operational. Pet owners can visit the official website at https://sinpatinhas.mma.gov.br to begin the registration process. The government encourages all pet owners to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the welfare of animals in Brazil.
As the initiative unfolds, it is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of countless pets and their owners, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership and enhancing the overall welfare of animals across the nation.
