Created in Vienna in April 1990, the European Pet Organization (EPO) is the European organization protecting and promoting the interests of the European pet sector.

EPO members at the AGM 2024 at Interzoo

EPO Mission is:

• To promote and encourage the welfare of kept and traded pet animals;
• To represent and promote the interests of the European pet industry and enhance its reputation;
• To represent the agreed positions of EPO members in discussions with the European Parliament, Council and Commission, with representatives of EU Member States, and in international negotiations;
• To share relevant information about the pet trade amongst affiliated associations;
• To build our membership base broadly across Europe to include other trade associations, including through facilitation and support of the development of trade associations in European countries without one;
• To support the development of a legislative and policy framework across Europe and internationally that facilitates business opportunities.

To achieve our mission, in all our dealings with key decision makers across all EU institutions, EPO:

• Raise awareness of the benefits provided by the industry in economic, social, health, conservation and research terms;
• Provide scientific evidence and advice in our negotiations with others;
• Work collaboratively with national, EU and global institutions;
• Consistently represent the views of the wider industry and not seek to promote the interests of our individual organisations;
• Ensure all our respective members adhere to the EPO Charter.