Clouds are gathering over puppy mills, illegal pet trade and anonymous online listings. It should no longer be possible to acquire a dog or a cat without proof of origin. Every animal would have to be microchipped, traceable and well cared for throughout its life.
New European rules are designed to change how dogs and cats are bred, sold and moved between owners. The legislation introduces mandatory identification, links currently fragmented databases across the EU, tightens breeding conditions and sets new limits on reproduction.
The aim is to improve animal welfare and harmonise standards across member states, while targeting illegal traders, irresponsible breeders and unfair commercial practices.
The European Parliament backed the proposal by a large majority, with 558 votes in favour, 35 against and 52 abstentions. The legislation now needs to be adopted by the Council before it can enter into force. The rules would be introduced gradually over the coming years, with some requirements taking effect within 15 years.
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“Our message is clear: a pet is a family member, not an object or a toy. We finally have stronger rules on breeding and traceability that will help us push back against those who see animals as a means of making a quick profit. At the same time, we are levelling the playing field for honest breeders,” said rapporteur Veronika Vrecionová (ECR/CZE).
Microchips and traceability
For most owners, the biggest change will be the requirement that every dog and cat be microchipped, registered in a national database and traceable whenever ownership changes.
Breeders will also have to meet new welfare standards, including minimum requirements for space and hygiene, as well as regular veterinary checks. Animals may not be kept long-term in containers or cages.
Dogs, in particular, must not be kept exclusively indoors without daily access to the outdoors. The rules also place stricter limits on tethering, which will only be allowed in exceptional cases and for short periods.
New breeding rules
Inbreeding between parents and offspring, siblings, or grandparents and grandchildren will be prohibited. As well as breeding practices that could lead to hereditary traits harmful to the animals’ health or wellbeing.
The legislation places greater emphasis on the health and reproductive suitability of females. They may only be used for breeding once they have reached a minimum age and are in good health. The proposal also sets limits on breeding frequency and bans the re-mating of nursing cats.
Breeders must not abandon or euthanise animals once they no longer use them for reproduction. They must ensure continued care in accordance with welfare standards. The rules also introduce an obligation to socialise puppies and kittens with humans or other animals – to reduce the risk of aggression or stress in future homes.
Painful procedures such as ear or tail docking, declawing or vocal cord surgery will also be banned unless there is a medical justification.
Shelters and small breeders
Animal shelters will be subject to the same basic welfare standards as breeders. That includes requirements for appropriate care, veterinary supervision and conditions that support both the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals offered for adoption.
Very small breeding operations and facilities with a limited number of animals will be exempt from some requirements. Small-scale breeders and shelters with only a few animals will be exempt from some of the administrative and approval requirements.
Crackdown on illegal trade
The new rules will also affect online advertising. Listings will have to clearly state the origin of the animal and allow the microchip to be verified through a European system. This aims to curb illegal imports.
Every year, thousands of pets are legally imported into the EU, but illegal trade from third countries is also growing. Inspections have found irregularities in up to 45 per cent of cases involving animals from countries such as Serbia, Belarus, Russia and Turkey. These included not only breaches of welfare standards but also falsified documents, including vaccination records and certificates confirming rabies immunisation.
The new rules apply exclusively to dogs and cats. These are the most common pets in the EU and the primary targets of illegal breeding and so-called puppy mills. According to a 2023 Eurobarometer survey, 44 per cent of EU citizens own a companion animal. In total, it is estimated that around 73 million dogs and 84 million cats live in European households.
Supporters say the legislation marks a major step forward in tackling animal abuse and illegal trade. Critics, however, warn that stricter rules could increase administrative burdens and costs for breeders and push part of the market outside the regulated sector.
