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 … Read more
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 traitsâcommonly referred to as âdeleterious genesââthat are known … Read more
Following the EPO Board Meeting held on January 19th, 2026 in Berlin, EPO Board Members and the Secretary General attended Green Week Berlin alongside ZZF. The event provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders from the pet sector and policymakers on important sustainability topics, including the recent changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation. Exchanges took place with stakeholders … Read more
On January 19th, 2026, EPO Board met in Berlin to review progress and prepare for the year ahead. Discussions focused on continuing strengthening the organisationâ secretariat and ongoing activities. Board members exchanged on key EU affairs priorities as well as upcoming events, outreach, and membership activities, while reviewing the 2025 final budget and 2026 draft … Read more
The European Pet Organization (EPO) attended the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), represented by Dr. Matthew Bond (OATA, UK). Initial insights point to encouraging outcomes on captive breeding and stony corals, underlining the importance of strong coordination across the pet trade sector. At the same time, ideological divisions within CITES persist, with marine ornamental species … Read more
The European Pet Organization (EPO) as the voice of the pet sector at European level welcomes the Councilâs endorsement, announced today, of the provisional agreement establishing the first EU-wide standards for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. This milestone marks a decisive step toward stronger consumer protection, enhanced animal welfare, and the effective fight … Read more
The European Pet Organization (EPO) successfully held its first Members Seminar in Brussels on October 21st, 2025. The seminar aimed to strengthen membersâ understanding of the EU decision-making process and provide insights into key policy topics currently high on the European agenda. The event was structured in two parts: This first Members Seminar marks an important milestone in EPOâs commitment to ensuring that its … Read more
The European Pet Organization (EPO) is proud to announce its participation as a new member of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare, which met on October 16â17, 2025. Under the Platformâs new 2025â2030 mandate, EPO will represent the voice of the European pet sector, contributing expertise to support responsible pet keeping, improved welfare standards, and collaborative policymaking across the EU. Established by the … Read more
In the scope of the EU preparation for the CITES CoP20, the European Pet Organization (EPO) through its President, Svein A. FossĂ„ contributed on September 25th, 2025 to the discussion held at the European Parliament by the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development with its event âOn the way to CITES CoP20: … Read more
SAVE THE DATE of the next MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ event dedicated to the CITES CoP20 preparation: September 25th, 2025. Among the speakers, European Pet Organization (EPO) will be represented by our President, Svein A. FossĂ„. Interested to join, you can register forđ In-person attendance at: https://lnkd.in/eexyYJQwđ Online attendance at: https://lnkd.in/evP-fajW
