Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability
0102030405
Adopted. The legislative procedure is complete.
Last active 10 Aug 2026
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What this bill does
In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.
It sets common EU rules for breeding, keeping, selling, identifying, and tracing dogs and cats to improve welfare and curb illegal trade.
Who it affects
Dog and cat breeders, pet shops, shelters, online sellers, importers, and people who buy or adopt dogs and cats in the EU. It also affects third-country operators exporting dogs and cats to the Union.
Core of the proposal
- Sets minimum welfare rules on feeding, housing, health, behaviour, and painful practices.
- Requires microchipping and registration of dogs and cats before first supply in the Union.
- Creates interoperable national databases and an online system to verify identification and registration.
- Requires breeder approval, veterinary visits, caretaker competence, and welfare rules for imports.
Key provisions
- Takes effect
- It enters into force on the twentieth day after publication and applies two years later, unless the Regulation provides otherwise.
- Transitional law
- Housing and health rules, and breeder approval, apply after five years; identification, registration, databases, and online verification apply after three years.
Latest update
10 Aug 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
Adopted → Adopted
Adopted → Adopted
Documents
2 recentSourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker