Identification and registration papers

Use Identification for a microchip, ear tag, tattoo or other ID number, and a Registration record for registry papers. Both start on the animal's Records tab.

Add a microchip, ear tag or other ID

1. Open the animal's Records tab, choose Records menu, then Identification. On the profile, you can also choose Add next to No identifiers yet, or Add identifier under Identification.
2. Check the Identifier type. It starts on the usual one for the species, such as Ear tag for cattle, Tattoo for rabbits or Microchip for dogs. Other choices are EID, Brand and DNA profile.
3. Type the number or mark in Identifier value, exactly as it reads. If an EID or microchip number doesn't look right, Creatures asks first: choose a button such as Save as ear tag, or Change type.
4. Add Notes, such as which ear the tag is in. Under Files, add a photo of the tag or the chip paperwork.
5. Choose who can see it, then select Add identifier.

The box Show this identifier on the public profile and herdbook decides who sees the number. The herdbook is the public list of animals on Creatures. The box starts ticked unless your privacy settings make new records private. Files you add here always stay private to you and the people who help manage the animal.

Saved numbers show under Identification on the animal's profile. A lock marks a private one. Select the pencil beside a number to edit it, or choose Remove in that form.

When you add an animal that usually wears an ear tag, such as a goat, sheep or cow, with a name that is only a number, such as 1042, the number is also saved as its ear tag. The profile says 1042 also saved as ear tag with Undo, which removes the tag and keeps the name. While they're linked, the tag's edit form says Also used as this animal's profile name, and a new number renames the animal to match. Renaming the animal yourself ends the link.

A tag number saved with the animal's details, such as from an import, shows there as Tag (Tattoo for rabbits). Only you and the people who help manage the animal see it. To change it or make it public, add the same number with Add identifier. The old line then disappears.

If the number is already on another animal

If the same number is public on another animal, Creatures stops before saving. Choose Save privately, or Report as same animal so our team can review both profiles. You may also see Propose merge, which asks the other owner to combine the profiles. Private details stay hidden unless they agree.

Add registration papers

1. On the Records tab, choose Add record, then Registration. Look under Identity & papers.
2. Search for the registry in Registry Association. If yours is missing, choose Other (specify) and type its name.
3. Enter the Registered Name and Registration Number exactly as printed.
4. Review How this registry classifies the animal, explained below.
5. Add the certificate under Files, decide on Make public, then choose Save Record.

Make public usually starts on for registrations, and attached files follow that choice.

Classifications are things like herd book, division or breeding status. Pick the registry's value from its list. If it has no list yet, you can save without a classification. Choose Preserve another value to keep the registry's exact wording, or Not sure if the paper is unclear. Show titles and wins belong in show records instead.

Have the certificate in hand? Use Scan a registration certificate at the top of the form. Add a photo or PDF, choose Scan certificate, then Fill editable form. Check every field before you save.

Some classifications come straight from the registry. Those are locked, so use Request a correction if one looks wrong.

To apply for registration instead, see Registering an animal with a registry.

Other papers

Identity & papers also holds:

• Pedigree for a pedigree document.
• Certification for titles and certificates earned, like milk stars.
• Insurance for a policy and its renewal date. See Keep insurance details with your animal.

For EPDs and other breeding values, see Record EPDs and other genetic evaluations.

Related information

• Track weight and growth
• Registering an animal with a registry
• Adding a record

Updated on: 06/11/2026