The new rules introduce requirements for breeders, sellers, shelters, and online platforms, establishing mandatory identification and registration systems to ensure traceability across the EU market.

In an official statement, Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, said: “Today’s adoption sends a clear message: animal welfare matters in Europe. With these new rules, we are protecting millions of cats and dogs, supporting responsible breeders and owners, and closing the door on illegal operators.”

Main elements of the regulation include stricter welfare requirements for breeding, housing and veterinary care; cats and dogs with extreme conformational traits will be excluded from competitions; verifiable identification information for online advertisements; imports from third countries will be subject to equal traceability and welfare standards; and national authorities will benefit from enforced cross-border cooperation mechanisms.

The legislation is expected to improve transparency in the pet trade, while helping authorities fight fraudulent practices and illegal trafficking networks. With phased implementation periods, the regulation introduces mandatory identification and registration requirements, including for privately owned animals throughout the EU.

To allow operators and member states sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements, several transitional periods will take place, and the regulation will officially enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.