The invention relates to a device for identifying an animal comprising an image recording device for recording images of an animal located in proximity to the device, a database, in which database reference images of typical procedures of approach of the first animal are stored, wherein a degree of matching between the images and the reference images and/or between features of the images and features of the reference images is determined and wherein, depending on the degree of matching, a drive for opening a door is actuated and/or a signalling unit for issuing an alert tone or a signalling unit for issuing a luring sound is activated and/or an issuing unit for issuing feed is activated via a control device.