EU Takes a Stand: New Rules to Protect the Welfare of Dogs and Cats
- maria tsaousi
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
The European Union is taking a major step toward improving the welfare of our furry companions. On June 3, the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee overwhelmingly voted in favor of the EU’s first-ever legislation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats—a move aimed at cracking down on illegal breeding, improving animal health, and safeguarding consumers.
This landmark proposal sets minimum standards for breeding, housing, and handling of dogs and cats across all member states, with a particular focus on traceability and animal welfare. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Must Follow the Rules?
The new regulations will apply to:
Breeders, shelters, and sellers
Individuals or organizations that place animals in foster homes
Private pet owners who are not selling animals are exempt from these rules.
Microchipping and Registration
One of the core elements of the proposal is mandatory microchipping. All dogs and cats sold, donated, or fostered must:
Be microchipped
Be registered in national databases
Have their data linked to an EU-wide index database operated by the European Commission
This system will make it easier to track animals, reduce illegal trade, and reunite lost pets with their owners.
Closing Loopholes in Pet Imports
The Committee also addressed concerns around the importation of animals from outside the EU. Currently, many dogs and cats are brought in under the guise of being "non-commercial pets" and later sold illegally.
Under the new rules:
Imported dogs and cats must be microchipped before arrival
Must be registered in an EU database within two days of entry
Pet owners traveling into the EU with animals must pre-register them online at least five working days in advance
Putting Animal Welfare First
The legislation takes a strong stance on ethical breeding:
Inbreeding is banned (no parent-offspring, sibling, or close-relative pairings)
Puppies and kittens cannot be separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age
There are limits on the number of litters per female and mandatory rest periods between pregnancies
Importantly, it also bans the breeding and exhibition of animals with extreme physical traits that compromise their health (like flat-faced dogs or hairless cats) and prohibits participation in shows for mutilated animals.
A Word from Parliament
“This proposal is a clear move against illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU,” said Veronika Vrecionová, the Committee Chair and rapporteur. “At the same time, it fully respects ordinary owners and responsible breeders who should not be unduly burdened by regulations.”
What’s Next?
The proposal now moves to the European Parliament plenary for a vote. If adopted, it will head into negotiations with EU ministers before becoming law.
Why This Matters
With around 44% of EU households owning pets and a pet trade worth €1.3 billion annually, this legislation is long overdue. As 60% of dog and cat sales happen online—many of them unregulated—the need for consistent, enforceable standards has never been clearer.
This is more than just bureaucracy—it's about ensuring that every dog and cat in the EU has a healthy start to life, and that owners can make informed, ethical choices when bringing home a new companion.
Want to help?Support animal welfare organizations, adopt from reputable shelters, and always check for microchips and medical records when acquiring a pet.
Stay tuned for updates on the final vote and how these changes could impact pet owners and animal advocates across the EU.
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