Polish Extensions

This guide covers Poland-specific identifier systems, breed registries, and conventions built into OVF’s core schema via the identifiers and breed_code fields on the Patient resource.

Microchip standards (ISO 11784/11785)

All microchips used in Poland comply with the ISO 11784/11785 standard.

Format: 15-digit numeric string
Country code: Poland is 616 (ISO 3166 numeric)
OVF system: iso-microchip-11784

{
  "identifiers": [
    {
      "system": "iso-microchip-11784",
      "value": "616000012345678"
    }
  ]
}

The 15-digit format:

Digits	Meaning
1-3	Country code (616 for Poland)
4-5	Manufacturer code
6-15	Unique animal identifier

Pet registries

SAFE-ANIMAL

SAFE-ANIMAL is Poland’s official pet registry for microchipped animals. It is the primary database used by clinics, shelters, and authorities to identify lost or stolen pets.

OVF system: safe-animal
Coverage: Dogs, cats, and other microchipped animals registered in Poland

{
  "identifiers": [
    { "system": "safe-animal", "value": "SAFE-2025-98765" }
  ]
}

EUROPETNET

EUROPETNET connects national pet registries across Europe. SAFE-ANIMAL is a member, so Polish pets are searchable via EUROPETNET for cross-border identification.

OVF system: europetnet

{
  "identifiers": [
    { "system": "europetnet", "value": "EPN-616000012345678" }
  ]
}

EU Pet Passport

Required for travelling with pets within the EU. Issued by authorized veterinarians. Contains microchip number, rabies vaccination record, owner identification, and animal description.

Polish passports use the country prefix PL:

OVF system: eu-pet-passport

{
  "identifiers": [
    { "system": "eu-pet-passport", "value": "PL-1234567" }
  ]
}

Combined identifiers

A fully identified Polish pet typically carries all four:

{
  "identifiers": [
    { "system": "iso-microchip-11784", "value": "616000012345678" },
    { "system": "eu-pet-passport", "value": "PL-1234567" },
    { "system": "safe-animal", "value": "SAFE-2025-98765" },
    { "system": "europetnet", "value": "EPN-616000012345678" }
  ]
}

Breed code systems

OVF supports standardized breed codes via the breed_code field on Patient.

FCI (dogs)

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) is the standard for dog breed identification in Poland. Poland’s kennel club (ZKwP) is an FCI member.

OVF system: fci

FCI Code	Breed
122	German Shepherd Dog
166	Labrador Retriever
111	Golden Retriever
86	French Bulldog
65	Dachshund (Standard)
252	Yorkshire Terrier
218	Siberian Husky
15	Boxer
332	Jack Russell Terrier
83	Miniature Schnauzer

{
  "breed": "Labrador Retriever",
  "breed_code": { "system": "fci", "value": "166" }
}

FIFe (cats)

FIFe (Federation Internationale Feline) is the largest cat registry in Europe. Uses the EMS code system.

OVF system: fife

FIFe Code	Breed
PER	Persian
BRI	British Shorthair
MCO	Maine Coon
RAG	Ragdoll
BEN	Bengal
SBI	Sacred Birman
ABY	Abyssinian
RUS	Russian Blue
NFO	Norwegian Forest Cat
SIA	Siamese

{
  "breed": "British Shorthair",
  "breed_code": { "system": "fife", "value": "BRI" }
}

TICA (cats)

TICA (The International Cat Association) is another registry recognized in Poland. Uses two-letter codes.

OVF system: tica

TICA Code	Breed
PS	Persian
BS	British Shorthair
MC	Maine Coon
RD	Ragdoll
BG	Bengal
BI	Birman
AB	Abyssinian
RB	Russian Blue
NF	Norwegian Forest Cat
SI	Siamese

{
  "breed": "Maine Coon",
  "breed_code": { "system": "tica", "value": "MC" }
}

Notes for implementers

Microchip validation: Polish microchips always start with 616. Validate that iso-microchip-11784 values with a 616 prefix are exactly 15 digits.
Breed code priority: When both FIFe and TICA codes apply for a cat, prefer FIFe as it is the dominant registry in Poland. Use x_secondary_breed_code for the alternate.
EU Pet Passport expiry: The passport itself does not expire, but the rabies vaccination in it does. Track expiry via the Immunization resource’s expiration_date field.
Cross-border travel: For pets travelling within the EU, include both iso-microchip-11784 and eu-pet-passport identifiers at minimum.