News · Regulatory developments and resolutions of the Council of the European Community

03/12/2025

Monographic Report of the Companion Animals Commission (CAAVV).

In line with our commitment to transparency and sector-wide representation at both national and international levels, AEDPAC, an associate member of the EPO (European Pet Organization) representing Spain, shares with its member companies the main resolutions, developments and outlook discussed at the latest session of the Council of the European Community, which has endorsed the provisional agreement establishing the first EU-wide rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.

The new rules set minimum welfare standards for breeders, shelters and sales establishments, meaning that registered pet shops are formally recognized as legitimate and regulated actors within the supply chain. This point has been strongly defended by the EPO against powerful animal-rights associations and, for the time being, we are succeeding.

All dogs and cats sold or transferred — including those from pet shops — must be microchipped and registered in interoperable national databases, strengthening traceability and closing pathways to illegal trade.

The legislation includes strict provisions on breeding (age limits, prohibition of inbreeding, ban on hybrid breeding, exclusion of extreme conformation traits, veterinary oversight) as well as the obligation to provide information on responsible ownership at the point of sale.

Imports from outside the EU will have to meet equivalent welfare and traceability standards, supported by a new European database for pet travellers.

It is essential that the final text contains no reference to an EU-wide positive list of pet species. The scope remains strictly limited to dogs and cats, fully in line with the Commission’s original proposal. This is another key issue that the EPO has promoted by sharing its position on the proposal.

With the Council’s backing, the proposal now moves towards its formal adoption, marking an important milestone in the fight against the illegal puppy trade, the improvement of animal welfare, and the harmonization of standards across Europe.

We share this important news for the benefit of the entire sector. The next step for AEDPAC’s Companion Animals Commission will be to review the final text and provide more detailed information to our members as soon as it becomes available, as well as to issue a press release outlining the EPO’s position on the provisional text.