EU Positive Pet List

The project aims to assess the need for, added value of, and feasibility of an EU-wide positive list of animals that would be allowed to be kept and/or traded as pets in the EU. It draws on scientific data and lessons learned from Member States to determine whether an issue exists in relation to the current regulation of pets in the EU, focusing in particular on addressing intertwined policy objectives related to the integrity of the EU internal market, animal welfare, biodiversity protection, wildlife trade, invasive alien species, and public health (including the risk of zoonoses). The study explores the value of coordinated action at the EU level to determine whether the introduction of a positive pet list is the appropriate instrument to regulate the pet trade and achieve these policy objectives and, if applicable, examines potential non-legislative alternatives (such as awareness-raising or behavioural change campaigns).