Handing over a health booklet or pet passport does not itself change legal responsibility for an animal. In the Valencian Community, the keeper is recorded in RIVIA, the region-wide identification register. Changes for dogs, cats and ferrets are processed through a participating veterinary professional.
What both parties provide
The vet checks the microchip and the identity of the former and new keeper. Valencian Law 2/2023 requires a formal request from both and entry of the change within two working days; RIVIA then has five working days to validate it. Bring identity documents, the animal records and the signed form.
RIVIA provides a declaration for cases where the former owner cannot be located, but finding an animal does not automatically amount to a transfer. Abandoned, lost or stray animals should be reported to the council responsible for collection.
Loss, death or relocation
Loss or theft must be reported within 72 hours online or through a vet, alongside a police report. Death or a move outside the Valencian Community must be reported to a vet within three working days.
The private account can update address, phone or email. Keeper changes, deregistration and replacement papers go through a vet so the record remains useful if the animal disappears.