The European Parliament has given its final green light to the first EU-wide rules on dog and cat welfare under ECR lead. ECR rapporteur Veronika Vrecionová has steered through the file, delivering a framework that tackles illegal breeding and trafficking of dogs and cats.

The new legislation represents a concrete step towards addressing illegal trade including online sales and imports and introduces common standards across the EU, with a clear focus on commercial operators placing animals on the market.

“As ECR rapporteur, my priority was clear: to tackle illegal practices and improve animal welfare without placing disproportionate obligations on responsible owners,” said Vrecionová speaking after the vote.

The regulation introduces EU-wide microchipping and registration, supported by interoperable national databases, making it easier to trace animals across borders and strengthen enforcement against illegal trade. Welfare standards will apply to commercial operators, covering housing, feeding, healthcare and breeding practices, alongside safeguards against abuse.

“For millions of Europeans, pets are part of the family. These rules mean more protection for animals – and more peace of mind for owners who simply want to do the right thing,” Vrecionová added.

At the same time, the framework draws a clear distinction between commercial activity and private ownership. Private households remain outside the scope of welfare obligations, while traceability requirements will be gradually extended to all dogs and cats, including those owned privately. Farmers caring for stray cats without commercial activity are explicitly excluded.

The legislation also strengthens controls on online sales and imports, closing long-standing gaps that have enabled illegal breeding and trafficking networks to operate across borders.

“At the same time, we are sending a clear message to illegal breeders and traffickers: the days of easy profits at the expense of animal welfare are coming to an end. If you treat animals like products, you will face the consequences,” Vrecionová said.

“This is a concrete step forward: stronger protection, clearer rules and more transparency for citizens across the EU,” Vrecionová concluded.

The text was adopted with 558 in favour, 35 against, and 52 abstentions.