Certificate of Commitment and Knowledge

for the acquisition of a dog

Decree 2022-1012 of July 18, 2022, concerning the protection of companion animals and equines against animal abuse

Identity of the person hired to whom Identity of the authorized person

the certificate was issued to issue the certificate

............................................... .....................................................................
.......................................................................... ..........................................................................
Address: .................................................................... Address: ....................................................................
...................................................................................... ......................................................................................
........................................................................... Mail :...........................................................................

Before getting a dog...

Acquiring a dog must be a thoughtful act as it is a commitment for a long duration.

(on average 13-15 years, varying according to individuals and breeds). It is therefore necessary to
ask several questions before the acquisition to verify the suitability between the needs of
dog and your lifestyle (availability, available space, physical shape, etc.), as well as
the implications on your budget and on your organization (work, going on vacation, etc.).
The acquisition of a dog, as well as the choice of breed, also depends on these elements.

These fundamental considerations must take into account all stages of life.
the animal: puppy, adult and also the end of life which is a special period. To all these
Stages, you must be able to meet its needs to ensure its well-being.

Indeed, a dog is a sensitive being that feels emotions. It requires...

time, patience, and a good knowledge and understanding of its physiology
logic and its behaviors. Education and socialization will be necessary in order to
that he exhibits appropriate behaviors with you, other humans, and his peers.

Some questions to ask before any acquisition

ѩ For what reasons do you want to acquire a dog? It must be a desire.

sincere in sharing your daily life with him and meeting his needs, and not out of a desire
passenger.
ѩ Is it a shared desire within your family? All the members
the family must agree on acquiring a dog, but also on its breed, its
Format, as the daily life of all family members will be changed. Do you have
notably checked that no member of your family is allergic to fur
dog?
ѩ Are you ready to commit for a long term and do you have the necessary time?
to take care of you every day?
ѩ Do you have sufficient financial means to cover the necessary expenses?
(feeding expenses, veterinary expenses, babysitting expenses, etc.) ?

1/9
 ѩ Do you have the necessary space to accommodate it, taking its size into account?
in adulthood?
ѩ Is your lifestyle compatible with acquiring a dog? Your housing
Is it sufficiently secure and suitable to accommodate a dog?
ѩ What childcare solutions will you have when you go on vacation and/or during
weekend if you can't take him with you?
ѩ Do you feel capable of educating your dog and socializing it properly?
Have you thought about the solutions to implement in case of problems (barking,
aggressiveness, destruction, etc.) and their implications in terms of time and investment
financial cement?
ѩ Have you possibly considered solutions for your dog if you are
brought to change lifestyle (change of housing, work, etc.)?

Is the answer to these questions not positive?

It is certainly preferable to postpone your acquisition or disposal project.

to cut with a professional (veterinarian, dog trainer, breeder, etc.) to study
Which dog breed would suit you best?

Some individuals exhibit morphological or behavioral traits

pushed to excess (hypertypes such as a flattened nose, for example) or diseases
hereditary conditions that can have significant impacts on health and quality
of animal life and lead to significant veterinary costs. These conditions are
particularly present in certain breeds. It is important to ensure with
from the seller that the dog you wish to acquire does not have these conditions.

Well-being and proper treatment

The dog is a sensitive being that feels emotions.As such, its well-being must be respected.

ANSES defined the well-being of an animal in 2018 as

the positive mental and physical state, linked to the satisfaction of one's needs
physiological and behavioral, as well as its expectations. It
depends on the animal's perception of the situation.
For a more detailed definition
animal welfare specification

2/9
 Your dog's well-being is unique to him and depends on how he will perceive his
environment. Your behavior, the care you will provide to it and the conditions
that you will provide her is essential for promoting her well-being. This is what is called
maltreatment

Thus, to promote your dog's well-being, you must ensure to meet five
fundamental "liberties":

Lack of hunger and thirst Absence of fear and distress

Yourdogmusthaveaccesstowaterand
The animal's environment and your
to quality food, in quan-
behavior must not be at
appropriate title corresponding to its
the origin of negative emotions.
needs.

Absence of discomfort

Yourpetmustliveincomfortableconditions.
in accordance with its physiological needs and involves
mental, particularly by offering him a shelter allows him
So much to protect oneself from unsuitable weather conditions.

Absence of pain, injuries, and illness Freedom to express normal behavior

of its kind
The environment and treatments His environment and his activities
your animal should not be at must be adapted in order to him
the origin of pain or injuries. Its to express oneself freely
Health must be guaranteed by visits behavior (physical activity, relationships)
regular visits to the veterinarian. with its peers, etc.).

The specific needs of the dog

The information below is provided for indicative purposes. They are to

adapt according to the morphology and behavior of your
dog. Indeed, there are many dog breeds, having
very variable characteristics. Thus, a dog, depending on its breed, can
measuring from 10 cm to 110 cm at the withers and can weigh from 2 to over 100
kilos. Similarly, some breeds require physical activity
very important while others a little less so. Finally, some
races are subject to specific regulation. Before acquiring a
dog, consult with professionals (veterinarians, breeders)
or of the breed club you wish to acquire.

Physiological needs

Food

The dog is an opportunistic domestic carnivore. Its diet must be

balanced and suitable for both his life stage and health condition. You can choose
for kibble, wet food or a homemade preparation. In any case,
it is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations to meet
nutritional needs of your animal.

3/9
 It is recommended to serve its food at fixed times, if possible in several
meals (number to be determined according to the age and size of your dog).

It is imperative to constantly provide fresh water for your dog.

The bowls for food and water must always be clean.

Attention, give bones to your dog

it can be dangerous for him, especially
when they are cooked, it is recommended to
do not give him/her any.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sleep and rest

The dog sleeps more than 10 hours a day and remains inactive for part of the
day. The amount of sleep depends partly on the breed of the dog and
evolves with age.

It is therefore essential that the dog has access to a sleeping area in

permanence for sleeping and resting. This rest area must be in
calm and the dog should not be disturbed when it is in this area.

Behavioral needs

Accommodation

The accommodation, particularly the available space and its organization, must be adapted to
the breed of the dog (format, activities). It must especially allow it to put itself in
shelter from extreme weather conditions, both heat and cold. If the animal is
detained outdoors, the space must not be less than 5 m² and it must have a dry area
and cleaned daily.

Except in exceptional circumstances (travel, etc.), caging is to be avoided.

Writing. Permanent attachment is prohibited for puppies and strongly discouraged for
the adult. In any case, it should not be less than 2.5 m and the device should not
being dangerous. Limiting your dog's mobility is a
important source of anxiety and can promote its aggression
victory.

If you have a garden or an outdoor space that the

The dog has access, it is important to ensure that it is well enclosed.
Besides the fact that its security can be compromised in case of
fugue (risk of accident, theft, etc.), your responsibility is
engaged if your dog strays in public space and causes
damages.

4/9
 Physical activity
The dog, regardless of the breed, needs physical activities. Access to a garden is
insufficient for his balance and development. It is therefore necessary to take him out of
daily and several times a day, regardless of the weather.

Exploring and sensing one's environment are part of the behaviors of

dog. Thus, during these outings, you must give your dog time to stop.
to explore and discover the surrounding smells and sounds, and to take the time
to observe one's environment.

Your dog can have an impact

negative impact on biodiversity (predation,
disruption of wildlife, etc.). It
it is therefore important to monitor it and
keep it always in sight during your pro- DID YOU KNOW?
Maenads. It is appropriate to pay particular
maintain attention in protected areas
(attention some are forbidden for him!).

Territorial marking is part of normal dog behavior.

allowing them to navigate and identify the traces left by their peers. In case of defecation-
On public roads, it is appropriate to pick them up and throw them in a trash can.

Play or work is essential for the psychological balance of the dog.

They should be adjusted according to the abilities of their race and their tastes. Similarly, the
the physical activities proposed for the dog must be adapted according to
his physical abilities and his age.

Social behaviors
The dog is a social species that requires interactions with its peers. If
you only have one dog, daily outings should be an opportunity for your dog
to be in contact with peers and to interact with them. Socialization must be pro-
Aggressive and if this is not done correctly, it is advisable to talk about it with your veterinarian.
a trainer or a dog educator.

Weaning
A good relationship between the mother and the puppies is necessary to avoid problems.
behavior and health problems in adult dogs. Contacts with the mother and
The other puppies in the litter also promote your dog's socialization.

A dog should not be separated from its mother before the age of two.
month. If you decide to acquire a dog from a breeder or
from an individual, make sure that the latter has been weaned in
good conditions and that the animal has properly reached its 8 weeks
(prohibition of transferring them before under the law).

5/9
 If you choose to acquire from a shelter or association/foundation
animal protection, the latter, depending on the animal's background, will be the most capable of you
raising awareness about one's needs.

During this period, the puppy must be exposed to stimuli and environments.
varied elements to make it more adaptable in its adult life.

Human-dog relationship

The dog is a species that needs daily interactions.

with humans. Socialization with humans must be the subject of a
special attention. Dog training should be positive, through the
intermediary of food rewards for example and the creation
of a trusting relationship with you. It is strongly discouraged,
even prohibited in some cases, to resort to coercive means of
dressage (choke collars, electric collars, etc.) that are painful and anxiety-inducing and make
more reactive and potentially biting dogs. In case of an education problem,
Talk to your veterinarian who can guide you to a dog trainer.

Even if your dog's socialization you

seems good, you should never leave your
children alone with the dog unsupervised.

Medical care
SoinS
Your dog requires routine care to keep it healthy. A visit
Annual vet visit is necessary to assess health and vaccinations.
recommended and the establishment of preventive measures against pests.

Depending on your dog's age and health condition, additional care should be planned.

In addition to the care provided by the veterinarian, your pet requires routine care such as
for example, cleaning its ears, brushing its fur, cutting its claws.
These care practices should be adapted according to its breed and character. Seek advice from
from a professional to adopt the right gestures to avoid hurting your animal.

The deduction, a decrease of it

appetite, an increase in consumption
water pollution, the emergence of dirtiness
presents warning signs that must
you to consult a veterinarian. DID YOU KNOW?
A daily observation of his
general condition and behavior
is necessary for early detection
the emergence of disorders.

6/9
 Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for dogs that travel.
outside of France as well as for dogs of 1eraand 2emecategory.

Sterilization
The sterilization of the dog, male and female, is recommended to prevent
unpleasant behaviors (running away, fighting with peers, etc.)
and reduce the occurrence of certain diseases.

It is mandatory for dogs, male and female, toeracategory.

Your veterinarian will inform you about the appropriate time to perform this sterilization.

Old Age and End of Life

An older dog requires more care than a young animal and can sometimes be a problem.
additional logistical issues. Before the acquisition, also gather information about the
end of life of your pet and the costs that may arise from a deterioration in health
about your pet that can sometimes be important.

Regulation
identification

The identification of the dog is mandatory before the age of

4 months and before any free or paid transfer. The
non-compliance with identification rules results in a
contravention of 4thclass (750€).

The animal must be identified by microchip or tattoo by a veterinarian or a

licensed tattoo artist registered in the national I-CAD file. If you need to travel abroad,
Only the electronic chip is allowed.

The seller of the dog must provide the new owner with the documents related to the transfer.
the surrender of the animal and make the change of holder with I-CAD. I-CAD will trans-
put the identification card that proves the animal is registered in the
National File of Domestic Carnivores and that you are registered as the owner.

As the animal holder, you commit to report, without delay, any new
event at I-CAD: address change, declaration of a temporary address, change-
holder's mention, declaration of loss, of runaway, of theft and death of the animal, since your
holder space on i-cad.fr. The declaration of these various events is an act of
primary protection regarding your pet, especially in case of its loss.

All information related to the procedures for identifying an animal is to

find on the sitewww.i-cad.fr.

7/9
 Animal abuse and abandonment
It is forbidden to mistreat domestic animals, including
dogs are part of it. The penalties incurred are significant,
can go for an act of cruelty up to 3 years in prison
and a fine of €45,000 (article 521-1 of the Penal Code), and even 4
and imprisonment and a fine of €60,000 when these acts are
committed by the owner of the animal.

Failing to meet the needs of one's animal is considered

like abuse.

Abandoning on public roads, or in any place that does not allow

not to have your animal taken care of is subject to the same
combs.
In case of abandonment or an act of cruelty leading to the death of the animal, the penalties are
sentenced to 5 years in prison and a €75,000 fine.

the dogs of the first and second category

There are regulations concerning certain breeds of dogs, referred to as
from 1eraand 2thcategory. Every holder must notably possess a
possession permit, which will be issued by your town hall only once you
have fulfilled the following legal obligations: liability insurance
specific civil liability for the animal, a certificate of fitness and having done re...
behavioral evaluation of the dog by a qualified veterinarian
tent. For dogs of 1eracategory,a vaccination certificate against the
rage, certificate of sterilization of the animal and being of legal age are also
mandatory.

It is forbidden to acquire or transfer a dog of 1eracategory, as well as to include it in

one on French territory.

Sterilization is mandatory for first category dogs, both male and female.

adoption
Do not adopt an animal through a social network: you will have no guarantee of compliance.
the regulation and its well-being, and you risk contributing to the trafficking of animals
from the company as well as to the abandonments.

Before adopting, make sure that the association is properly registered and known. If it...
installation of a shelter, visit the facility housing the animal to see it (including
in interaction with his mother if it is a young person) and to ask questions in order to you
provide information about him/her.

Financial and logistical implications

The cost of maintaining a dog heavily depends on the breed of the dog as well as the
choices you will make. The numbers below are given for informational purposes:

8/9
 Food represents the main expense for a healthy dog. It must be
adapted to the format, age, and lifestyle of the animal. Based on an industrial diet of
good quality, the monthly cost is estimated at €50 for a medium-sized dog and can reach €150
for a very large dog.
For veterinary expenses, it is important to distinguish between unavoidable costs and non-preventable costs.
sibles.
⇨ The unavoidable veterinary fees for a dog without any particular health issues are included.
between 100 and 300€ per year (vaccination, deworming, ...).
⇨ The cost of sterilization varies particularly depending on the sex of the animal, its size, or even
of the technique used and is generally between 100 and 600€.
⇨ Moreover, you are not exempt from your pet contracting a disease or having an accident that necessitates
costly care. In this case, the amounts to be invested can be significant, ranging from
the order of a hundred euros to several thousand euros depending on the necessary care. Some dogs
presenting malformations (hypertypes, etc.) will require more extensive veterinary care.
⇨ A portion of veterinary fees can be covered by an insurance company or through
savings that you will have built up.
The grooming of your dog can represent a cost, which can be significant depending on the breed.
The use of professional advice for your dog's education should also be considered.
during the acquisition, and this budget will be between a hundred and several hundred euros depending on the work
of education envisaged and/or the behavioral issues identified.

You will also need to provide the necessary accessories for the animal's life: bowl, mat,
leave, transport crate, etc., as well as any potential boarding fees for your animal if you
must you be absent without being able to take it with you or simply if you have to
call on someone to take him out while you work.

For any travel within the European Union, the European passport is mandatory.
toilet for the dog. The cost does not exceed 20€.
The information provided in this certificate is not exhaustive. For any additional information,
please consult a professional.
This certificate of commitment and knowledge complies with the provisions of law 2021-1539 aimed at combating
animal abuse and reinforce the bond between animals and humans. Criminal penalties are planned in case
of breach.
Please rewrite the text below by hand:
Having taken note of all this information and having informed myself about all the elements that concern me
By respecting the needs of a dog, I expressly commit to respecting them.
Made at: ................ The :................

Name and signature of the authorized person to issue the Name and signature of the person to whom it was issued
certificate (with stamp and Order No. for veterinarians) the knowledge and who commits

9/9