Animal welfare: what the new EU rules mean for the pet care sector
Adoption in May 2026, phased application and further legislative initiatives: the key points for professionals supporting animals and their families.
Protecting an animal also means knowing where it comes from and paying attention to the conditions in which it grows up. On 22 May 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted new rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.[en-1]
This EU framework aims to tackle illegal trade and harmonise minimum protection requirements. It covers breeders, sellers, shelters and online platforms, among others, depending on their activities.[en-1] For the pet care sector, it is an opportunity to strengthen trust through better-documented practices.
When will the new obligations apply?
The Commission now identifies this text as Regulation (EU) 2026/1818. Its general application is scheduled to begin on 31 August 2028, with some provisions applying later.[en-2]
Adoption of the text therefore does not make all its obligations immediately enforceable.[en-2] Before making any decision, also check the national or regional rules that apply to your activities. Our recommendation: identify the obligations relevant to you now, rather than working towards a single deadline.
Stronger safeguards for everyday welfare
The new requirements cover breeding, housing, handling and veterinary care, among other areas.[en-1] Respecting animals’ needs and ensuring that the people caring for them have the necessary knowledge are part of this approach.[en-3]
The framework also strengthens restrictions on breeding practices that harm animal welfare. Online advertisements will need to include verifiable identification information. Imports from non-EU countries will be subject to equivalent welfare and traceability standards.[en-1]
Identification: different tools serve different purposes
The traceability system relies on microchipping and registration in a national database. These databases will need to exchange the information required for traceability between EU countries.[en-3]
Identification and registration will gradually extend to privately kept animals.[en-1] A QR/NFC tag or GPS tracker therefore does not replace legally required microchip identification.[en-3] These tools must be presented as complementary, never as an exemption from identification requirements.
Transport: another development to monitor
The Commission has also proposed revising the rules on the protection of animals during transport. The proposal addresses journey times, available space and protection against extreme temperatures, among other issues.[en-4]
As of 10 September 2026, the Commission’s official website still presents it as a legislative proposal. These proposed measures must therefore not be described as new obligations that already apply.[en-4] For the professionals concerned, we recommend including this proposal in their regulatory monitoring and taking it into account when preparing procedures.
Our belief: protection that people understand
At UFoundMe! by MEOSafety, we stand for safety that is easy to understand for people who love their animals. We want technology to support that relationship, without making it more complicated.
Our editorial commitment is to distinguish between legal obligations, good practices and complementary services. Better protection for animals also means providing clearer information and reassurance to the people who care for them. As a pet care professional, which practices are you already preparing for these upcoming deadlines?
Official sources
Sources consulted on 10 September 2026.
Read Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 on EUR-Lex
Information notice
This article provides general information based on sources consulted on 10 September 2026. The precise obligations depend on the scope of the legislation, the activities carried out and the transitional provisions. For compliance decisions, consult the legislation and the competent authority. This content is not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your situation.
- Council of the European Union, Adoption of new rules on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs. Press release dated 22 May 2026. Adoption, operators concerned, main requirements and phased implementation. ↩
- European Commission, Protecting the welfare of dogs and cats. Institutional webpage, “2026, New EU rules” section. Reference to Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 and general application from 31 August 2028, with some provisions applying later. ↩
- Council of the European Union, Provisional agreement on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs. Press release dated 25 November 2025, background to the agreement preceding adoption. Explanations of microchip identification, databases and the knowledge required of animal caretakers. This source describes the preliminary agreement; it does not, on its own, establish the definitive timetable. ↩
- European Commission, Protecting animals during transport. Institutional webpage, “2023 to present: Legislative proposal” section. Overview of the proposal to revise the rules on the protection of animals during transport. ↩
