Active involvement with animals has been shown to support human physical and mental health. In our increasingly urban society, pets may be the only opportunity for many people to have close encounters with other species. Active involvement with animals has been shown to support humans' psychological and physical health, help in building empathy for animals as well as for other humans, promote a general interest in animal welfare, and increase interest in biology and nature conservation.

Therefore, the European Pet Organization fights for the right of people to keep pets of many and varied species. Diversity in pet keeping increases the possibility that anyone who wants a pet may find one that suits their interests, as well as their individual lifestyle, economy, and capabilities. Not every person is suited to be a dog or cat owner, just as aquarium fish, lizards, or parrots are equally not suitable for every human. Diversity, however, opens opportunities: opportunities for having a companion, for learning, for being educated, and for engaging in truly responsible pet keeping of benefit to the animal, to the keeper, and to all animals as well as our society at large.

Furthermore, the trade in accessories, food, and services for pets is an important industry worldwide, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. In the EU alone, the turnover in the pet segment is above 42 billion Euros, generating an estimated 18 billion Euros in tax payments annually.

It is a core principle for EPO that commercial trade in pets should be done through regulated and registered businesses, that are open to inspection from government. This ensures that the animals are handled and treated in a responsible manner, taking the necessary precautions to ensure welfare, health, and sustainability, always in accordance with national and international laws and regulations. EPO and EPO members work with governments and the EU to improve legislation pertaining to pet keeping and trade, and to gather, exchange, and disseminate information amongst the affiliated associations and their individual membership.

EPO is a firm believer in responsible pet keeping and a responsible pet trade, regulated through responsible and sensible legislation.

June 2024
Svein A. Fosså
EPO President