Can I buy or adopt a dog at a pet store?

Service-Public.fr replies:

Since 1^er January 2024, pet shops may no longer give up dogs and cats in their establishments for consideration or free of charge. Article L. 214-6-3 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code (CPMR.), as amended by the Law of 30 November 2021 on combating animal abuse and strengthening the link between animals and humans, lays down the rule.

The aim of the law is to combat impulse purchases of dogs and cats that too often lead to abandonment.

Pet shops can, however, sell online:

• connecting breeders and future buyers;
• keeping the animals in dedicated premises separate from the pet store.

Pet shops are also allowed to present cats and dogs belonging to animal welfare foundations or associations for adoption. These are cats and dogs that have been born of abandonments or whose former owners have not been identified. In this case, volunteers must be present to accompany the adopters in their efforts.