Adopting a pet in France no longer follows the same path as it did a few years ago. Since January 1, 2024, the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops is prohibited, a direct consequence of the law of November 30, 2021, against animal cruelty. Future adopters are now turning to shelters, associations, or registered breeders, which changes the processes, timelines, and the way to prepare for the arrival of a companion.
Commitment certificate and legal framework before adoption
Before any transfer of a pet, the law requires the signing of a commitment and knowledge certificate. This document, provided by the transferor (shelter, association, or breeder), details the physiological and behavioral needs and the costs associated with the species concerned.
A seven-day reflection period applies after signing this certificate. Adoption cannot be finalized before this period expires. This administrative constraint, sometimes seen as a hindrance, aims to limit impulsive adoptions that lead to abandonment.
On the numbers side, the trend remains concerning: in the summer of 2026, the SPA took in 9,508 animals, about 20% more than in the summer of 2025. The number of new pets (NAC) has doubled during the same period.
At the same time, adoptions have increased by about 18%, which reduces the average length of stay in shelters. This faster turnover shows that demand exists, but it is still not enough to absorb the flow of abandonments.
Pet shops still have a role, but it has changed: they can only present for adoption animals from partner shelters or foundations. Adoption processes now go through structures that assess the adopter’s profile, which serves as an additional filter compared to the old window-shopping system.
Choosing the species and breed suited to your daily life
The choice of species determines everything else: budget, space, available time, compatibility with other animals or children. A directory like https://www.animagora.fr/ allows browsing adoption offers by species and location, facilitating connections between adopters and organizations.
A working dog (Australian shepherd, Malinois) in a 40 m² apartment without long daily outings will eventually develop behavioral issues. Conversely, an indoor cat adapts well to a small space if environmental enrichment (scratching posts, high points, rotating toys) is properly considered.
For NAC, ignorance of their needs remains the primary reason for returning to shelters. A dwarf rabbit needs a pen of at least several square meters, not a cage of 80 cm. A ferret requires hours of daily outings and a strictly meat-based diet. Before falling for a less conventional species, consulting a specialized NAC veterinarian can prevent many disappointments.
Criteria to evaluate before making a decision
- Species lifespan: a parrot can live for several decades, a hamster two to three years. The time commitment varies radically.
- Actual annual budget (food, veterinary care, accessories): it differs greatly between a goldfish and a large dog.
- Time spent at home: some species do not tolerate prolonged solitude well, while others adapt.
- Local regulations: some NAC require a capacity certificate or are subject to municipal restrictions.
Preparing the home and initial veterinary care
The arrival of a pet should be prepared before it crosses the threshold. The basic equipment depends on the species, but one principle remains constant: everything must be set up before D-Day, not after.
For a dog, this means a bed in a quiet place, stable bowls, a leash suited to its morphology, and a first veterinary appointment scheduled within the week following adoption. For a cat, a litter box placed away from the feeding area, a cat tree, and hiding spots are enough to reduce stress during the first days.
The first post-adoption veterinary check-up is not a formality. It allows for checking vaccinations, identifying any internal or external parasites, and planning sterilization if it has not yet been done. Shelters generally provide an up-to-date health record, but a second professional opinion is still recommended.
Nutrition: a budget item not to be underestimated
The quality of food has a direct impact on long-term health. Low-cost kibble often contains a high proportion of grains and by-products, which can cause digestive issues or skin allergies.
Reading the composition before buying allows for quickly spotting if the source of animal protein is listed first in the ingredient list. For dogs, occasional addition of cooked vegetables (zucchini, carrots) can supplement the diet, provided toxic foods (onion, garlic, grapes) are avoided.
Animal health and well-being on a daily basis
A healthy animal is not just a vaccinated one. Well-being involves mental stimulation, appropriate physical exercise, and early detection of warning signs.
In dogs, a change in behavior (sudden apathy, unusual aggression, loss of appetite) warrants a prompt consultation. Veterinary emergencies represent a cost often underestimated by new adopters: taking out pet health insurance or setting aside a dedicated financial reserve prevents situations where the budget dictates the quality of care.
In cats, chronic kidney diseases and urinary conditions are among the most common reasons for consultation. Providing permanent access to fresh water, regular wet food, and annual check-ups helps limit risks.
- Regular deworming (frequency varies depending on indoor or outdoor lifestyle)
- Seasonally and geographically appropriate external parasite treatment
- Annual dental check-up, often neglected but a source of complications if ignored
Adopting an animal permanently changes daily life, finances, and household organization. French shelters see their capacities overwhelmed every summer, and while the increase in adoptions is real, it still does not compensate for the volume of abandonments. Every prepared and thoughtful adoption frees up a space in a shelter for an animal in need.
