Abstract: The present invention provides a device for tattooing animals, the device comprising a moving needle-carrier plate (4) whose needles (41) are designed to be covered in ink and to press, at the end of the stroke of the plate, against the skin (P) of an animal in order to tattoo it, and a spongy pad (6) soaked in ink lying on the path of the needles (41) and suitable for being pierced by the needles so that they project against the skin (P) of the animal at the moment of impact. It is remarkable in that said pad (6) is integrated with the plate (4), the assembly being moved by a hammer (8) housed in a guide barrel (5), and that said plate (4) is secured to the outside face (92) of a resilient diaphragm (9) which closes one end of said barrel (5).