EPO held its 2019 AGM at Zoomark, Italy
On May 7th, 2019, EPO members attended their yearly AGM – a good opportunity to discuss the organization’s priorities and roadmap for this year.
Published on
03/06/19
Latest news
EU sets first-ever rules for dogs & cats: a major win for animal welfare & the responsible pet sector
The European Pet Organization (EPO), the voice of the pet sector at European level, welcomes today’s adoption by the European Parliament of the first EU-wide Regulation specifically addressing the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. This landmark vote confirms the political agreement reached in November 2025 and represents a decisive step toward stronger animal welfare, better consumer protection, and a more transparent and traceable pet market across the European Union. A key advocacy success for EPOToday’s vote marks a major milestone following sustained engagement by EPO throughout the legislative process.By working closely with the European Commission and the European Parliament, EPO has played a key role in shaping the final framework:- Clearly recognises pet stores as legitimate and regulated actors within the companion animal supply chain- Delivers harmonised and proportionate rules across the EU- Avoids unnecessary burdens on responsible and professional operators- Keeps the scope firmly focused on dogs and cats, preventing the introduction of an EU-wide positive list for all pets. Although the immediate threat of a positive list has been averted, its continued presence in the adopted text underlines the need for ongoing engagement from the trade through EPO. “This is a major achievement for both animal welfare and the pet sector in Europe,” said Svein A. Fosså, President of EPO. “It clearly shows that high welfare standards and a responsible, professional pet sector do go hand in hand. The final text delivers a balanced and workable framework that provides clarity, predictability and fair conditions for operators across the EU, while recognising the essential role of regulated operators, including pet stores.” A landmark framework recognising responsible operatorsThe newly adopted Regulation establishes harmonised EU-wide rules covering breeding establishments, shelters, and selling establishments, including pet stores, recognised as regulated and responsible operators within the companion animal supply chain.For the first time, the EU introduces a comprehensive framework including:- EU-wide animal welfare standards for housing, care, and handling- Strict breeding rules, including limits on reproduction and bans on close inbreeding and harmful genetic practices- Mandatory identification and registration of dogs and cats before being placed on the market- Enhanced traceability through interoperable national databases- Clear and harmonised obligations for all operators, regardless of size or legal statusThese measures will significantly contribute to tackling illegal trade while ensuring both a high level of animal welfare and a well-functioning internal market. Better welfare rules & workable conditions for the sectorThe Regulation strengthens welfare conditions across the EU, introducing requirements on housing, outdoor access, socialisation, and veterinary oversight, while prohibiting harmful practices such as confinement in unsuitable display conditions or inappropriate breeding methods.At the same time, it provides a clear and workable framework allowing responsible operators, including pet stores, to continue their activities under improved and harmonised standards, supporting informed and responsible pet ownership. Focus now on implementationEPO stresses that the effective implementation of the Regulation will depend on consistent and proportionate application across Member States. Key elements include:- Identification and registration before placing animals on the market- Mandatory registration of establishments- Staff training requirements and strengthened veterinary oversight- New provisions for online sales and cross-border movementsEPO looks forward to continuing to work with EU institutions and national authorities on the development of implementing and delegated acts to ensure the rules are clear, workable and enforceable in practice, and aligned with on-the-ground realities.
28/04/26
EPO at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg
EPO is looking forward to attending Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, one of the key meeting points for the international pet sector & an important opportunity to connect with members, partners, & stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. During this year’s edition, EPO will take part in a number of events and meetings, continuing its engagement with the pet sector and EU policy developments relevant to the sector. EPO will be present at the following events: Interzoo Sustainability Conference – Monday, 11 May 2026 Interzoo Opening Night – Monday, 11 May 2026 (by invitation only) Interzoo Academy – Country Session Europe – Tuesday, 12 May 2026 IPAC (International Pet Advisory Council) Summit – Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (by invitation only) EPO AGM 2026 – Thursday, 14 May 2026 (by invitation only) EPO Seminar 2026 – Thursday, 14 May 2026 (by invitation only) Meet the Experts – Thursday, 14 May 2026 Interzoo Party – Thursday, 14 May 2026 Interzoo provides a valuable platform for exchanging views on the latest developments affecting the pet sector, including ongoing EU policy and legislative initiatives. Those interested in meeting with the EPO team during Interzoo are warmly invited to get in touch in advance to arrange a meeting.
21/04/26
EPO welcomes Belgian federations Ani-Zoo & Andibel as a new full member
EPO welcomes today the joint application of Ani-Zoo & Andibel (Belgium) as a full member, further strengthening its representation across Europe and reinforcing its commitment to a responsible pet sector in line with its Charter. Representing more than 200 members and approximately 80% of Belgian professional breeders, Ani-Zoo and Andibel play a key role in promoting responsible practices and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at national level. Together, the sector they represent generates an estimated €3.5 billion annually. “More and more issues that have a direct impact on our sector in Belgium are being discussed and decided at the European level. Over the past few years, EPO has developed a strong and respected voice in Brussels, thanks to its expertise and consistent commitment. With our membership, we want to support this positive dynamic, particularly regarding issues of great importance to pet breeders and sellers, especially on topics that are just as important for the industry as for the trade," stated the President of the board of both associations, Mr. Paul De Cooman, explaining the associations’ reasons for joining EPO. Welcoming the new member, EPO President Svein A. Fosså stated: “The addition of Ani-Zoo and Andibel as a joint full member brings valuable experience and a strong national mandate into our work at EU level. At a time when regulation is expanding rapidly, it is essential that our sector remains engaged, constructive, and firmly rooted in practical reality.” The expertise of Ani-Zoo and Andibel is expected to support ongoing efforts to advance best practices within the pet sector, particularly as the EU moves towards adopting its first rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
13/04/26
EPO Endorses REPTA Deleterious Gene Policy
EPO is pleased to announce its endorsement of the Reptile & Exotic Pet Trade Association (REPTA, United Kingdom) Deleterious Gene Policy, The policy represents an important step forward in addressing animal welfare concerns linked to the selective breeding of reptiles. The REPTA Deleterious Gene Policy focuses on genetic traits—commonly referred to as “deleterious genes”—that are known to cause significant health and welfare issues in reptiles. These may include neurological, structural, metabolic, or other disorders that can severely impact an animal’s quality of life and longevity. By endorsing this policy, EPO supports a science-based and responsible approach to reptile breeding that prioritizes animal welfare. The policy calls on breeders, traders, and other stakeholders to: Refrain from producing, selling, or acquiring reptile morphs associated with serious welfare concerns Promote transparency across the supply chain, including clear communication with buyers Improve consumer awareness and education on the welfare implications of certain genetic traits Maintain and regularly review a list of morphs with demonstrated harmful effects EPO recognises the REPTA Deleterious Gene Policy as a valuable industry-led initiative that contributes to improving standards and fostering responsible practices within the reptile sector. This endorsement reflects EPO’s continued commitment to promoting high standards of animal welfare across all companion animal sectors, including reptiles. Further Information The full REPTA Deleterious Gene Policy is available here:
17/03/26