Petition is addressed to: European Commission – Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). + Members of the European Parliament (Animal Welfare Committee)

We call for a modernization of EU regulations concerning the adoption of animals from third countries

At present, it is extremely difficult to legally adopt animals from so-called “non-listed third countries” such as Morocco, Turkey, or India – even when they are microchipped, fully vaccinated, healthy, and have found adopters. The reason is a regulatory framework that was well-intentioned, but is no longer up to date.

📋 What’s the problem?

Current EU regulations require, for example:
– rigid country lists (“listed” vs. “non-listed”), regardless of the individual animal’s health status
– expensive and time-consuming rabies antibody tests (titer tests)
– long mandatory waiting periods
– no distinction between rescued animals and animals from commercial pet trade

These rules were originally introduced to protect public health – but they were created at a time when vaccines were less reliable and digital veterinary records did not yet exist.

Today, these rules often prevent:
– legal and safe adoptions
– and instead encourage informal or even illegal alternatives

🔬 What has changed since then?

– Modern rabies vaccines produce a reliable immune response in over 99% of animals
– Certified veterinarians, shelters, and digital documentation can accurately confirm health status
– Other countries such as the USA, Canada, and even Australia (with restrictions) already demonstrate that structured, risk-based systems work – without excluding animals by default

📣 What do we propose?

We don’t claim to have the perfect solution – but we believe there is clearly a better one.
We are calling for:
– a differentiated evaluation based on health status, not only country of origin
– recognition of certified animal welfare organizations abroad
– digital proof of vaccination and veterinary care
– structured quarantine or fast-track processes instead of months-long delays
– a clear legal distinction between humanitarian rescue and commercial pet trade

🚀 The EU can do better.

It is absolutely possible to protect public health and show compassion at the same time.
The current framework is not just outdated – it also conflicts with core European values of animal welfare and responsible action.