As part of the changes made to the Mexico City Animal Protection Law, the Single Registry of Companion Animals (RUAC) is now mandatory, but is it true that not registering your pets could result in fines? We tell you.
The first thing you need to know is that the RUAC is a free registration, very similar to a CURP for your pets, and its objective is to keep a better census of the pets that live in the CDMX, as well as to ensure better protection against possible cases of animal abuse or abandonment, and to guarantee that they live in a suitable environment for them.
This registration is now mandatory for people living in the CDMX. It is free and can be done digitally. Here we tell you how you can do it step by step.
Recently it was spread on social networks that the registration had a deadline to be done before June 30. However, this information has not been confirmed by the Agencia de Atención Animal, but what would happen if you don’t do this procedure for your pets?
RUAC: What are the fines you could get for not having it?
First you should know that the RUAC became a mandatory procedure since April 1, 2025, and although there is no fine strictly because a pet does not have its RUAC, not having it can generate a fine of 21 to 31 times the current Unidad de Medida y Actualizacion (UMA). In pesos, this would be the equivalent of $2,375.94 to $3,394.20 pesos.
However, it is important to clarify that the fine would only be issued when the RUAC is required by a judge to the owner and the owner does not have it.
Pet ownership is very nice, but it also entails many obligations that must be complied with or it would directly affect your pocket. You could get fines for different reasons such as not picking up after your pets in public places, and also walking your pets without a leash.
If you are unable to cover the fine financially, the law provides alternatives such as an arrest of between 13 and 24 hours, or community service for a period of 6 to 12 hours.
How does RUAC work if I lose my pet?
It is important to know that the RUAC will be a requirement to present if you lose your pet, since, in case it is rescued in the public road and sheltered in one of the Canine and Feline Attention Centers or by one of the veterinary clinics in charge of the municipalities, you will have to prove that you are the guardian of your pet through the RUAC key.
The RUAC works to have a database of pets and their owners, and in case you do not have the registration, you would have to prove the ownership of your pet through adoption documents, purchase invoice, vaccination card and more. Afterwards, you will have to register your pet in the RUAC to be able to take it home.