The European Pet Organization (EPO) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 14th, 2026 – during Interzoo- , bringing together members and Board representatives to review the organisation’s activities and priorities for the year ahead. The meeting highlighted EPO’s continued engagement with EU institutions on key policy files affecting the pet sector, including … Read more
Over the course of an inspiring week in Nuremberg, EPO was proud to contribute to and participate in a series of important discussions and events helping shape the future of the pet sector in Europe and beyond. Some key EPO contributions included: • the Interzoo Sustainability Conference on Monday May 11th • the Europe Academy … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 traits—commonly referred to as “deleterious genes”—that 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 organisation’ 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 Council’s 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
