For the first time in Europe, rules for breeding and keeping cats and dogs are going to be standardized. Among the mandatory standards are microchipping, a ban on breeding close relatives, and professional training for staff at shelters and breeding facilities.
According to the European Commission, 74% of pet owners believe that cats and dogs need better protection. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a preliminary agreement. The law will be published in 2026 and will come into force in 2028.
"Europeans want their animals to be better protected and want stronger measures against irresponsible breeding and illegal trade as part of organized crime," said Oliver Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare.
Comfortable conditions for all
The law will introduce uniform standards of care in professional establishments. For example, it will be prohibited to keep animals in containers, and dogs must be guaranteed access to the outdoors. Minimum space requirements will also be established.
Staff in such establishments must have sufficient competence to care for animals. At least one caretaker must undergo special training approved by the competent authorities.
Registration of pets
Microchipping and registration in compatible national databases will become mandatory for all cats and dogs in the European Union. This applies to breeders and animal shelters as well as pet owners. However, for the latter, this rule will become mandatory later — in 15 years for cats and in 10 years for dogs.
This rule also applies to animals from abroad. At least 5 days before entering the EU, such cats and dogs must receive their microchip, and after crossing the border, they must be registered in the database. The rule is the same for animals for sale or in private ownership.
Foreign sellers of kittens and puppies must be approved by the competent authorities of their countries.
Strict rules on inbreeding
The new regulation will standardize the closeness of family ties between animals for breeding. The ban will apply to parents and children, grandparents and their grandchildren, brothers and sisters, including step-siblings.
Dogs and cats with extreme physiological traits will now be unable to compete or reproduce.
Earlier, EcoPolitics explained why petting zoos are inhumane and dangerous for animals.
