Due to state financial constraints, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) can no longer operate the Dog Identification and Registration Program. The program was created to help reunite lost dogs to their owners. Dogs registered in the program were tattooed on the ear and inner thigh with a unique number (MI-<<5 digit number>>-A) by an individual that was designated by the department to tattoo dogs specifically for this registration program. Information pertaining to the dog, including tattoo number, breed, sex, age, and the owner, including owner name, address, and phone number, were entered in the state's official dog registration database.

The department will continue to issue reassignment of title registrations should an animal previously tattooed under the state-run program change ownership. If you have a dog that has been registered in the MDA Dog Identification and Registration Program and you are planning on transferring ownership to another individual, you must make an Assignment of Title for Change of Ownership. The original owner must sign the official registration where indicated under "Assignment of Title." The new owner must note their name, address, phone number, and sign where indicated under "Assignment of Title." The new owner must then submit the official registration along with a check or money order for $1.00 payable to the State of Michigan to: Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division, PO Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909. A new registration will be issued to the new owner upon receipt of the completed registration and fee.

MDA will continue to maintain the official database containing registrant information for dogs tattooed prior to March 30, 2009 until December 31, 2029, to service those dogs already registered. Individuals finding a dog with a tattoo bearing the MI-<<5 digit number>>-A should call the department at 517-373-1077 within 48 hours of finding such dog to locate the owner.

MDA also no longer registers individuals to be designated dog tattooers for the state-run program. If you are a designated dog tattooer, you must return all unused copies of Form AH-049/Application for Animal Identification Registration to the department to Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909 by March 30, 2009 as they are no longer valid documents.

If you have further questions or concerns, you may contact the department at 517-373-1077.