The invention concerns a device for tattooing animals, comprising a mobile needle-bearing plate (4), whereof the needles (41) are designed to be covered with ink and to be pressed at the end of the plate stroke, against the skin (P) of an animal to produce a tattoo, and a spongy pad (6) treated with ink arranged on the path of the needles (41), capable of being run through by the latter to project against the skin (P) of the animal at the time of impact. The invention is characterised in that said pad (6) is integral with the plate (4), the assembly being displaced by a hammer (8) housed in a guide shank (5), and said plate (4) is integral with said shank (5).