Council Approves a Deal on Strengthening the Welfare and Traceability of Cats and Dogs.
Published: 05 Jun 2026
Author: Towards Healthcare
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the welfare of cats and dogs and on traceability. The agreement sets minimum EU-wide rules for the first time ever. The agreement aims to improve the welfare of cats and dogs that are kept by breeders, selling establishments, and shelters, while also improving consumer protection, ensuring fair competition, and fighting illegal trade.
According to Towards Healthcare, the Europe animal health market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 67.45 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 134.39 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.96% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by the integration of digital health solutions, which is heavily influencing the market. This includes AI-driven diagnostics, wearable monitoring devices, telemedicine, and precision livestock farming, and increased awareness of infectious and zoonotic diseases has boosted demand for routine vaccines, parasiticides, and biologics.
About Europe Animal Health
The Europe animal health market is growing due to the companion animal population and advancements in veterinary medicine. Valued heavily by both the companion and production animal sectors, the market is continually shaped by strict EU food safety standards and forward-looking welfare regulations. It is driven by rising disposable incomes, pet adoption rates, and "pet humanization," where owners demand premium diagnostics, wearables, and telemedicine.
About the Council and the European Parliament
They act as co-legislators, shaping the European animal health market by setting harmonized standards for disease control, veterinary medicines, and animal welfare, and aim to prevent disease outbreaks, reduce antibiotic resistance, and facilitate safe trade across Member States. The Animal Health Law - Regulation (EU) establishes clear responsibilities for farmers and vets regarding disease notification and surveillance, helping the market avoid massive economic losses from outbreaks.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the Europe animal health market is witnessing growth driven by the preventative care & vaccines, which are driven by the European Medicines Agency's strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. There is a strong shift toward preventative health that highlights a strong industry focus on preventive care and sustainable livestock management. It enforces a new era of harmonised welfare standards for companion animals across Europe.