Animal welfare is increasingly becoming a concern for both individuals and professionals in the animal sector. The law of November 30, 2021, aimed at combating animal mistreatment, has strengthened the information obligations for adopters and the regulation of pet sales in France. This regulatory framework profoundly changes how animal-focused organizations operate, from dog training to exhibitions.
Animal protection regulation: what has changed since 2021
Law No. 2021-1539 of November 30, 2021, which is being gradually implemented until 2024, has transformed several aspects of animal commerce and care in France. Pet shops can no longer sell cats and dogs in-store. Breeders face increased obligations regarding traceability and housing conditions.
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For care, boarding, or training facilities, penalties for mistreatment have been increased, including in event contexts such as fairs or exhibitions. A certificate of commitment and knowledge is now mandatory before any adoption, imposing stricter formalities on associations and individuals transferring an animal than before.
These legislative changes reflect a fundamental shift. The pet is no longer considered a movable good under French law since 2015, and the 2021 law extends this recognition by imposing concrete duties on both holders and professionals. Field reports vary on this point: some breeders find the administrative constraints disproportionate, while animal protection associations believe that enforcement remains uneven across departments.
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For those seeking detailed information on breeds, adoption, or veterinary care, animals at 4 Pattes d’Amour cover a wide range of topics related to different companion species.
One Welfare approach: the link between animal health and human health
The One Welfare movement, supported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), proposes a framework that links animal welfare to human well-being and environmental issues. This approach goes beyond the simple question of veterinary care to include factors such as thermal stress in urban environments, noise pollution, or the lack of accessible green spaces for pets.
In practical terms, a dog confined in an apartment without mental stimulation or regular outings develops behavioral problems that also affect its owner’s quality of life. The well-being of the animal directly conditions that of the human living with it. This observation underpins the One Welfare framework, reinforced by WOAH in its updated report in 2023.
What this means for pet owners
Dog or cat training is not limited to obedience. It encompasses socialization, enrichment of the living environment, and prevention of anxiety disorders. Animal professionals (behaviorists, trainers, caregivers) are increasingly integrating these dimensions into their practice.
However, the available data do not yet allow for precise measurement of the impact of these approaches on reducing abandonment in France. The link between quality educational support and owner retention seems logical, but there is a lack of longitudinal studies in France on the subject.
Animal professions and training: a changing sector
The world of animal professions goes far beyond veterinarians and caregivers in zoological parks. Dog trainer, behaviorist, breeder, groomer, animal health assistant: the range is expanding, along with training requirements.
- The certificate of competence for domestic pet species (CCAD) has been replaced by the knowledge certificate for domestic pet species (ACACED), which is mandatory to engage in a professional activity related to animals.
- Training in animal behavior is multiplying, but its quality varies significantly from one organization to another, in the absence of a unified national reference for certain specialties.
- The profession of animal caregiver, which was long learned on the job, now has structured curricula in several institutions, with mandatory internships in zoological parks or shelters.
The professionalization of the animal sector is accelerating, driven by both owner demand and tightening regulations. Organizations employing trained professionals in positive education and appropriate care stand out clearly from those operating without a clear methodological framework.
The specific case of adoption and animal fairs
Animal fairs and exhibitions remain popular events, but their organization is now subject to stricter regulation. The presentation of live animals for commercial purposes at these events is subject to enhanced controls. Animal protection associations participate to facilitate adoption, with the obligation to provide the certificate of commitment and knowledge to each adopter.
Responsible adoption requires comprehensive information about the needs of the chosen species and breed. A Bengal cat and a European cat do not have the same requirements in terms of stimulation and space. An Australian shepherd and a French bulldog do not require the same level of daily physical activity.
Limitations of online resources on animal welfare
Websites and media dedicated to companion animals have multiplied in recent years. Breed sheets, health advice, adoption guides: information is abundant. The difficulty lies in its reliability.
A nutritional recommendation for cats found on a blog may contradict the advice of a veterinary nutritionist. Cross-referencing sources remains the only reliable method to distinguish well-founded content from approximate content. Websites that cite their veterinary or scientific sources deserve more attention than those that rely solely on generic lists.
The available data do not allow for quantifying the share of erroneous content circulating on the subject. However, veterinarians regularly report consultations motivated by inappropriate self-medications based on information found online. Animal welfare, whether concerning a dog, a cat, or a farm animal, relies on verifiable knowledge, not on trends.