Europe Moves to Ban Shock Collars, Pet Store Sales of Dogs and Cats, and Enforces Mandatory Microchipping

A Cultural Shift in Animal Welfare

This is not just a new law—it’s a revolution in how Europe sees its pets. On June 20, 2025, the European Parliament approved a historic draft bill with 457 votes in favor, 17 against, and 86 abstentions. The goal? To set minimum binding standards for the care, breeding, adoption, and sale of dogs and cats across the European Union.

After years of pressure from animal rights groups, veterinarians, and citizens, the EU is finally acting on widespread concerns. Behind the booming pet industry—worth over €1 billion annually—lies a darker reality of illegal trafficking, unethical breeding, and premature weaning. The new law aims to stop these practices in their tracks.

Negotiations with the European Council are now underway. Once finalized, the law will be enforceable across all EU nations.

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Mandatory Microchipping for Every Dog and Cat

The cornerstone of the reform is a simple yet powerful tool: the microchip. Every dog and cat in the EU will be required to be microchipped and registered in a unified European database. Even private transfers or adoptions will not be allowed without official registration.

Importers from outside the EU must chip animals before arrival and register them within 48 hours. This system aims to fight abandonment, prevent illegal trade, and ensure complete traceability of animals across Europe.

No More Pet Sales in Stores

Another landmark measure bans the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. The goal is to eliminate impulse purchases and the treatment of living beings as consumer products. From now on, only certified breeders and authorized shelters will be allowed to offer animals for adoption—ensuring ethical sourcing and proper screening of future pet owners.

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Cruel Collars Banned for Good

The EU will also outlaw the use of choke collars, electric collars, and spike collars. These tools, often misused, can cause long-term physical harm, emotional distress, and behavioral problems.

The message is clear: animals are not machines to be controlled but sentient beings deserving of compassion and dignity. The use of coercive training tools will no longer be tolerated in any EU member state.

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No More Inbreeding or Extreme Features

One of the most progressive aspects of the law is the ban on breeding between close relatives—such as parents and offspring or siblings. Inbreeding, often used to preserve specific physical traits, poses severe risks: genetic defects, inherited diseases, and physical deformities.

The law may also restrict breeding of dogs with extreme physical features, like flat faces or disproportionately shaped bodies, if those traits cause suffering or functional limitations.

Stricter Controls for Breeders and Shelters

Under the new rules, every shelter, kennel, breeder, or cattery must undergo an inspection before receiving authorization to operate. Approval will depend on key factors: hygiene, available space, access to natural light, and appropriate temperature regulation.

Staff must also complete specialized training—taking care of animals will no longer be left to chance or lack of knowledge.

Puppies Stay with Their Mothers

A crucial but often overlooked aspect of the law sets the minimum age for separating puppies or kittens from their mothers at eight weeks. Unless a veterinarian justifies early separation for health reasons, it will be illegal to remove young animals from their mothers before they are developmentally ready.

This ensures proper emotional and physical development, helping reduce behavioral issues later in life.

Europe’s Challenge: Enforcing the Change

With this vote, the EU has taken a bold and decisive step forward in animal protection. But the real challenge lies ahead: ensuring these rules are implemented everywhere—from large cities to rural towns, from high-end breeders to online sellers.

Because a law only works if it reaches every corner of the map—and every animal in need.