When adopting a kitten from a classifieds site without a veterinary certificate, one is now exposed to much more than just a warning. Since the tightening of penalties in France, an irregular transfer of a dog or cat can result in a 5th class fine, up to 1,500 euros per animal, and 3,000 euros in case of repeat offenses.
This regulatory reality changes the game for anyone interested in pets, whether it involves adopting, caring for, or simply understanding what is happening in shelters and pet stores.
Penalties for the transfer of dogs and cats: what the law concretely imposes
The 5th class fine does not only concern illegal breeders. Service Public specifies that the exhibition of animals visible from public roads can also be penalized, with a fine of up to 750 euros. In practice, this affects pet stores that display puppies or kittens in their windows, a common practice in some cities.
For individuals, the rule is clear: any sale or donation of a dog or cat must be accompanied by up-to-date health documents. Inspections are increasing, especially on online platforms where non-compliant ads are reported by animal protection associations.
On the Espace Animaux portal, there are practical sheets detailing the legal obligations by species, a good starting point before any adoption or transfer process.
Saturated shelters in France: the rise in abandonments in 2026
The figures reported by Le Dauphiné are unambiguous: since the beginning of 2026, over 21,700 animals have been taken in by the SPA. This represents a rise of over 10% compared to the same period in 2025. By the end of June 2026, the number of animals in shelters had increased by another 6%, while adoptions did not keep pace.
This saturation is not a classic seasonal phenomenon. Associations are warning of a structural mismatch between the volume of abandonments and the capacity of shelters. Large dogs and exotic pets (NAC) are the hardest to rehome.
Why adoptions are stagnating
Several factors are hindering adoptions. The annual maintenance cost of a dog or cat weighs heavily on households, especially in a tense economic context. The increasing requirements of shelters regarding housing conditions, while justified, also extend placement times.
An adopted animal from a shelter costs less than an animal bought from a breeder, but the ongoing veterinary expenses (vaccination, sterilization, antiparasitics) remain a budget item that many underestimate when making their decision.
Positive list for NAC: a regulatory project to follow
The French government has recognized the creation of a positive list as a priority project. The principle: to explicitly define which species of mammals, birds, or reptiles can be kept as pets, rather than listing those that are prohibited.
- The positive list aims to reduce the trafficking of wild species by clarifying what is allowed for private ownership.
- It directly concerns NAC owners (rabbits, ferrets, parrots, reptiles), who must anticipate potential restrictions on certain exotic species.
- The timeline remains unclear for the final publication date, but several associations like Code Animal are advocating for implementation before the end of the year.
Feedback varies on this point: some specialized breeders fear a too-broad ban, while veterinarians specializing in wildlife see it as a tool for health prevention.
Animal health in daily life: the gestures that really matter
There is much talk about animal welfare in the media, but on the ground, veterinary prevention remains the most effective lever. A regularly vaccinated and dewormed dog has a significantly higher life expectancy than an animal whose care is neglected.
Health checklist for dogs and cats
- Annual vaccination against common diseases (canine distemper, parvovirus, calicivirus depending on the species) and boosters within the timeframes prescribed by the veterinarian.
- External and internal antiparasitic treatment suitable for the season and lifestyle (hunting dog, indoor cat, outdoor rabbit).
- Veterinary consultation at least once a year, even in the absence of symptoms, for a general check-up and dental examination.
- Identification by microchip, mandatory in France for dogs and cats, and regular verification that the associated contact information is up to date.
For birds and NAC, the choice of veterinarian is crucial. Not all clinics have specific skills for reptiles or small mammals. It’s better to identify a specialized practitioner before an emergency arises.
Feeding: adapting the diet to the species and age
An adult neutered cat does not have the same needs as a growing kitten. Overweight has become one of the most common health issues among pets in France. This is particularly evident in indoor cats, whose physical activity is limited.
The kibble sold in supermarkets is not suitable for all profiles. A veterinary nutritionist can establish a tailored feeding plan, especially for animals suffering from renal or digestive pathologies.
Animal protection in France: a government plan in the works
The animal protection plan announced by the government for 2026 covers several areas: combating abandonments, regulating online sales, strengthening inspections in breeding facilities.
These developments do not only concern professionals: every NAC owner or volunteer in a shelter must follow these adjustments to remain compliant.
Animal protection progresses through regulatory steps, not through declarations of intent. What changes the lives of animals in France is the effective application of laws, on-ground inspections, and the ability of shelters to absorb the wave of abandonments without sacrificing the quality of care.