The EU has adopted Regulation (Reglamento) 2026/1818 on the protection and traceability of dogs and cats, TodoAlicante reports. The rules become mandatory in 2028, though the source does not give an exact date. Pets live in 46% of European households, and the European Commission estimates that the EU trade in dogs and cats is worth between €1,300m and €4,600m.
The regulation requires every dog and cat to be identified with a microchip and then registered, which is already compulsory in Spain. Chips must be standardised: each carries an individual number that cannot be duplicated or reprogrammed, shows the country of identification and meets ISO standards. Breeders and foster carers will be brought into the European traceability system, and their operators will be responsible for correct identification of animals before adoption.
EU member states must have registers of animals that can work together, and the Commission is to set up a separate database linking them. In Spain the registers are currently kept by the autonomous communities (regions), so there are several. For owners in Spain the changes are minimal: some will need to replace a microchip if it cannot be read. The single system should also make it easier to trace pets that go missing outside Spain. The source does not say what the penalties will be, which Spanish body will enforce the rules, or how long owners will have to replace unreadable chips.
When someone advertises a dog or cat for sale, a free public system will check that the identification, registration and ownership are genuine. The advert must carry a verification code generated by that system. In its latest operation against illegal trade, the Commission found 467 suspected cases of fraud involving forged documents on an animal's age, origin or vaccination.
The regulation bans breeding between close relatives: parents with offspring, siblings, half-siblings, and grandparents with grandchildren. The only exception is where the competent authority allows it to protect local breeds with a limited gene pool. Animals with "excessive conformation features" (exaggerated breed traits) may not be used for breeding, shows or beauty contests if the traits put the animal's own welfare, or that of its offspring, at risk. The Commission has until 30 June 2030 to define which features count as excessive and how they are assessed. The regulation sets no specific parameters for individual breeds.
Breeders, shops, shelters and foster carers must give animals enough space to move about and rest, with comfortable, clean and dry resting places and shelter from bad weather. Dogs over eight weeks old need outdoor access or daily walks, with an exception only on a written veterinary opinion. From three weeks old, puppies must gradually be given daily chances to socialise with other dogs and with people. Cats must have scratching posts, hiding places and raised surfaces. Minimum ages for weaning from the mother are set, with exceptions for documented veterinary reasons. The source does not give the specific ages.
