A dog that refuses its kibble for three days, a cat that urinates outside its litter box after a move, an owner who discovers that their pet is not identified during a veterinary check: these are real situations that thousands of French households manage every week. The animal news this fall 2026 highlights regulatory changes, health alerts, and changes in owner behavior that deserve attention.
Aujeszky disease in dogs: a health alert to watch
In September 2026, the Companion Animal Epidemiological Surveillance Network, in collaboration with the National Federation of Hunters, established a reporting system for suspected cases of Aujeszky disease on the Calypsovet platform. This viral disease, primarily transmitted through contact with swine (wild boars, pigs), is fatal for dogs and has no curative treatment.
Specifically, hunting dogs are the most exposed to Aujeszky disease. A dog that ingests raw wild boar meat or comes into contact with a contaminated carcass can develop neurological symptoms within days. Veterinarians now have a centralized tool to report suspected cases, which should improve risk mapping.
For dog owners living in rural areas or practicing hunting, all the information can be found on animal-passion.net regarding precautions to take and clinical signals to recognize.
Identification of pets: declining numbers
The I-CAD barometer published in May 2026 reveals that new identifications of pets decreased in 2025. This trend is concerning, as identification by microchip or tattoo is essential for traceability, recovery in case of loss, and compliance during transfer.
On the ground, many owners still consider identification a secondary administrative formality. An unidentified animal that escapes has very little chance of being returned to its home. Shelters confirm this: a significant portion of the animals taken in have no microchip.
The fall 2026 also reminds us that the certificate of commitment and knowledge, required before acquiring a pet, remains poorly understood. This document, signed at least seven days before adoption or purchase, aims to make future owners more responsible. Feedback varies on this point, with some veterinarians believing that the process truly raises awareness, while others find it is still perceived as a mere formality.
Puppy and kitten fairs: a pressured market
The 30 Million Friends Foundation published a survey in September 2026 denouncing the conditions observed at several puppy and kitten fairs. According to this survey, basic animal protection rules are regularly violated at these events: puppies presented too young, insufficient sanitary conditions, questionable traceability.
Since January 1, 2024, the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops has been banned. This ban does not cover temporary events. An exemption for certain fairs and agricultural events creates a legal disparity that several associations contest. The identified risk: shifting sales to less regulated channels rather than eliminating problematic commerce.
A tightening of regulations is being considered in 2026 to regulate or permanently ban these fairs. For a future owner, the precautions remain the same:
- Check that the breeder is registered and that the puppy or kitten has an I-CAD identification number before transfer
- Request the veterinary certificate confirming the animal’s good health, including details of vaccinations performed
- Ensure that the certificate of commitment and knowledge has been properly provided and signed at least seven days before the transaction
- Prefer visitable breeding facilities where one can observe the living conditions of the parents and the litter
Pet parenting and nutrition: how French households are rethinking daily life
Several surveys published this fall confirm a fundamental trend: owners treat their pets as full members of the household. The term “pet parenting” is becoming common vocabulary, and it is not just a passing trend.
Specifically, this translates into more thoughtful dietary choices. More and more owners are comparing kibble compositions, seeking recipes suited to their dog or cat’s age or health issues, and questioning their veterinarian about protein quality or the presence of additives.
The range of available food has significantly expanded: grain-free kibble, wet food in trays, home-cooked meals delivered to your door. A common pitfall is abruptly changing an animal’s diet without a gradual transition. Any dietary change requires a transition of five to seven days, gradually mixing the old and new food to avoid digestive issues.
On the cat litter side, plant-based alternatives (wood, corn, tofu) are gaining ground against traditional mineral litters. They often have the advantage of being more absorbent and less dusty, but some cats refuse the change in texture. It is recommended to offer both types in parallel before fully switching.
Temporary fostering and shelter adoption: persistent barriers
Becoming a foster family for a dog, cat, or rabbit is still an underrecognized option. The principle is simple: temporarily house an animal awaiting adoption, with food and veterinary costs covered by the association.
The barriers to adopting from a shelter remain numerous:
- The fear of taking in an animal with a complex behavioral history, without sufficient support
- The perceived cost of veterinary care over the animal’s lifespan, especially for breeds predisposed to certain health issues
- Housing constraints, particularly for renters whose leases contain restrictive clauses (often legally contestable, as a landlord cannot prohibit pet ownership in a rental property)
A tenant has the right to own a pet, except for dogs of category 1 and 2 subject to specific regulations. This information remains poorly known and leads to avoidable abandonments.
The animal news this fall paints a dynamic landscape: tightening regulations on sales channels, enhanced health vigilance, and owners becoming more demanding about the health and nutrition of their companions. Keeping up with these developments is also about better protecting your pet on a daily basis.
