On June 19, 2025, the European Parliament voted to mandate the microchipping of all cats and dogs across the EU, aimed at enhancing animal welfare and curbing fraud. This significant step advances efforts to establish uniform standards for the breeding and care of pets, following amendments to the original proposal by the European Commission. The new regulations are anticipated to lead to negotiations with EU ministers, who had previously taken a stance on this matter. While pet registration is already compulsory in 24 EU member states, current practices are inconsistent, with only a private initiative called Europetnet connecting databases across 17 countries.
The new regulations stipulate that all dogs and cats imported from non-EU nations for sale must be microchipped and registered in a national database prior to entry. Czech MEP Veronika Vrecionová, who served as the rapporteur for the file, emphasized that this move confronts illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals. Animal welfare organizations celebrated this legislative action as a critical advancement, arguing that it would set essential standards for pet care, including adequate feeding, veterinary services, and protection against abuse. This law aims to eliminate unregulated breeding operations and detrimental puppy and kitten mills.
Concerns about facilitating illegal trade, raised by some earlier proposals, were addressed and resolved in the final vote. The European Parliament’s decision expanded beyond the initial Commission proposal, mandating identification and registration for all pets, not merely those intended for sale. This is seen as a landmark action, with Joe Moran from FOUR PAWS International highlighting its potential to terminate illegal pet trading in Europe. The Parliament’s proactive stance includes limiting the number of litters a female pet may have throughout her life, thus preventing animal exploitation across the breeding sector.
To ensure comprehensive protection, the proposed rules would apply uniformly to all breeders, regardless of their scale. Advocacy groups noted that including small breeders in the proposal is particularly vital, especially in countries where a vast majority produce minimal litters annually. Without this inclusion, a significant loophole could have persisted, undermining the intended protections. With approximately 127 million cats and 104 million dogs in the EU, and 44% of households owning pets, the sector is valued at around €1.3 billion annually according to EU Commission data.
The Parliament’s draft legislation also opens the possibility of extending protections to other companion animals in the future. Support was expressed for developing a “Positive List,” which would classify species considered appropriate for ownership and sale as pets. This forward-thinking measure aims to ensure the welfare of a broader range of animals, beyond just cats and dogs. The active involvement of animal welfare organizations in this legislation underscores a collective push towards improved standards and regulations in pet ownership.
As final negotiations between the European Parliament and EU ministers are expected to commence soon, this phase will be crucial for the eventual adoption of the proposed law. The outcome is poised to reinforce animal welfare standards across the EU, promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the commercial exploitation of pets within the region. The proactive measures reflect a growing commitment to prioritize animal welfare, ensuring that all pets receive the care and protection they deserve while fostering a more humane environment for companion animals in Europe.
