EU takes step forward on animal welfare standards: What the new proposal means

In a significant leap forward for companion animal welfare, the European Parliament has backed the first-ever EU-wide minimum standards for dog and cat breeding, keeping and traceability.

In a plenary vote on 19 June, MEPs approved a draft regulation by 457 votes to 17, with 86 abstentions, reflecting strong cross-party concord on a cause that resonates deeply with families across Europe.

This vote follows a legislative package on the welfare of dogs and cats that the European Commission presented in 2023 to address the divergent approaches by EU Member States.

According to recently published data by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), 139 million households in the region owned at least one pet as of 2023. The total pet population in the area stands at 282 million animals, excluding aquaria.

New rules at a glance

Until now, national rules on welfare and traceability have been wildly inconsistent, leading to illegal trade, substandard breeders and overcrowded shelters.

The new proposed rules include:

• Mandatory microchipping and EU registration: Every dog and cat must now carry a microchip and be registered in interoperable national databases coordinated through a single EU index managed by the Commission.
• Ban on pet sales: MEPs voted to prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops throughout the EU, shutting a common gateway for impulse buying and irresponsible breeding.
• Imported pets are regulated: Animals entering from third countries must be microchipped and registered before entering the EU – an effective measure against disease outbreaks and illegal trafficking.
• Handling and breeder training: Member States will oversee training for breeders and animal handlers, and buyers will receive clear guidance on responsible pet ownership and care.

What’s next?

Following the EU Parliament’s vote, the regulation now enters the trilogue phase, where the Council and Commission will finalize the details.

Key debates will center on implementation timelines (MEPs offered up to a 10‑year transition), online sales verification tools, and the level of enforcement at the national level.

“While further dialogue will be needed to fine-tune some details, I believe we are united in our aim to protect the welfare of dogs and cats,” says Rapporteur and Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, Veronika Vrecionová.

Industry reactions

Animal welfare organizations, including FOUR PAWS and Eurogroup for Animals, have welcomed the proposals, particularly the efforts to close online loopholes and demand full traceability of all pets, not just those sold.

“This vote marks real progress for animal welfare in the EU. Every dog and cat deserves protection, no matter the size of the breeder,” says Georgia Diamantopoulou, Head of the European Policy Office at FOUR PAWS.

For EU pet owners, the proposed law would mean enhanced confidence that their furry friends come from humane and regulated sources.

Lost or stolen pets stand a greater chance of being reunited with their families thanks to mandatory microchips and an EU-wide database. At the same time, stricter welfare standards should take a big step forward in the demise of puppy mills and substandard breeding conditions.

Wild animal ownership

For Nick Clark, Wild Animals Programme Leader at Eurogroup for Animals, the European Parliament has made “future protection” for wild animals kept as pets a reality.

“By including a pathway for a Positive List [a list of animal species permitted to be kept and placed on the market in the EU] in the dogs and cats proposal, it aims to ensure that only species assessed as suitable can be kept and sold as pets. This marks a new era of responsible pet ownership and real action on long-standing calls,” Clark concludes.