From August 2, 2026, France imposed sanctions on pet shops that violate bans on the sale and display of dogs and cats. The measures are part of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty’s policy to improve the welfare of domestic animals.
The sale of dogs and cats in pet shops has been banned since January 1, 2024, in accordance with the law of November 30, 2021. The same legislation also prohibits, from December 1, 2021, the display of animals in pet shops in a way that makes them visible from a road open to public traffic.
The aim of the restrictions is to reduce so-called impulsive purchases of pets. According to the French authorities, acquiring an animal should be a well-considered decision, as owners take long-term responsibility for its needs and well-being.
Up to 1,500 euros fine for each animal sold
Initially, no specific sanctions were foreseen for the two bans. With a decree of August 1, 2026, the French authorities supplemented the regulatory framework and introduced fines for violators.
A pet shop that sells a dog or cat in its premises can be sanctioned with a fifth-category fine, which reaches 1,500 euros for each animal. In the event of a repeated violation, the fine can reach 3,000 euros per animal.
A sanction is also foreseen for the display of animals that are visible from a road open to public traffic. In this case, a fourth-category fine of up to 750 euros for each animal, regardless of its species, can be imposed.
The measures are now in force
The new sanctions will apply from 2 August 2026. They are part of the concrete actions of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty to guarantee the humane treatment of pets.
“Adopting an animal should not be a decision taken lightly. I promised that a decree would be issued establishing sanctions for pet shops that do not comply with the law and encourage impulsive and therefore potentially irresponsible purchases. I am pleased that this commitment has been fulfilled,” said Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty of France.
The new rules put the emphasis on responsible pet ownership and restricting practices that could encourage the purchase of animals without prior assessment of the commitment and care they require.
Illustrative photo: pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-5958812
