New EU Regulation to Combat Illegal Trade in Dogs and Cats Adopted
27.11.2025 | from FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
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27.11.2025, EU institutions have reached a groundbreaking agreement on animal welfare and traceability of animals. With the adoption of the first EU regulation on animal welfare for dogs and cats, effective action has been taken against the illegal pet trade. FOUR PAWS particularly welcomes the introduction of important protective measures, including the mandatory identification and registration of all kept dogs and cats, and the introduction of an online verification system for all dogs and cats sold online, modeled after the 'Veripet' system developed by FOUR PAWS. In addition, minimum animal welfare standards for the keeping and breeding of animals in breeding establishments have been adopted.
The EU regulation for the protection of dogs and cats is a historic milestone that FOUR PAWS has been working towards for almost twenty years. The measures of this law will tremendously hinder the illegal trade in dogs and cats in the European Union and ensure the traceability of the animals. We commend the courage, perseverance, and commitment of the European Commission, the Members of the European Parliament, and the delegations of the Member States who have advocated for the animals. This is a great step forward for more animal welfare in Europe," says Lauretta Eckhardt, Policy Manager at FOUR PAWS Switzerland.
Mandatory Identification and Registration for Increased Animal Welfare
The EU legislators have achieved an important milestone with the introduction of the mandatory identification and registration of all kept dogs and cats. This comprehensive traceability system makes it almost impossible for illegal breeders and sellers to operate their perfidious business anonymously and also facilitates the quick reunion of lost animals with their owners. Switzerland has already had a successful chip and registration obligation for dogs for years. In order to strengthen animal welfare sustainably, a comparable, comprehensive mandatory regulation for cats would also be necessary.
Verification of the Registration of Dogs and Cats in Online Trade
The EU institutions, including the Council, Commission, and Parliament, have strongly pushed for the regulation of online trade and support a mandatory registration and verification system. In the future, the registration of dogs and cats will be verified in online trade before a sales ad is published. This ensures that no one can advertise anonymously online and that only registered dogs and cats can be offered. According to a current FOUR PAWS report, 79% of all dogs currently come from unknown sources since there was no comprehensive traceability possible until now. This new pre-screening will significantly reduce the online trade in pets and curb illegal trading. A corresponding regulation in Switzerland would also be an important step to make online trade safer and effectively curb illegal trading.
Higher Animal Welfare Standards for All Breeders
The introduction of minimum requirements for animal welfare for all breeders is an important step towards stricter regulation of the breeding of dogs and cats. The new standards – which include, for example, appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, and protection from mistreatment – apply equally to all breeders. This ensures better conditions for animals in a long-neglected, multi-million dollar industry. The minimum requirements help to curb unregulated backyard breeding and animal cruelty in puppy mills.
Media Contact:
Chantal Häberling, Communication Switzerland
FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
Altstetterstrasse 124
8048 Zurich
Tel. +41 43 311 80 90
presse@vier-pfoten.ch
www.vier-pfoten.ch
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FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare
FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence that identifies needs, rescues animals in distress, and protects them. Founded in Vienna in 1988 by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where people treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. Its sustainable campaigns and projects focus on strays and companion, farm, and wild animals – such as bears, big cats, and orangutans – coming from inadequate conditions or disaster and conflict zones.
With offices in Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Great Britain, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, USA, and Vietnam, as well as sanctuaries for animals in need in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS ensures swift aid and long-term solutions. In Switzerland, the animal welfare foundation is a cooperative partner of the Arosa Bear Land, the first bear sanctuary providing rescued bears from poor living conditions an appropriate home.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: FOUR PAWS - Foundation for Animal Welfare, Press release
Original article published on: Neue EU-Verordnung zur Bekämpfung des illegalen Handels mit Hunden und Katzen beschlossen