Adopting and keeping a pet in Serbia — what the law says

The main law

In Serbia the key statute is the Law on Animal Welfare (Zakon o dobrobiti životinja, Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 41/2009). It defines the obligations of anyone who keeps an animal and the rules for breeding and trade.

What every owner must do

• Provide appropriate food, water, shelter and veterinary care
• Not keep an animal in conditions that cause pain or lasting stress
• Keep dogs on a leash or in an enclosed property in public spaces
• Microchipping of dogs and cats is regulated by veterinary rules — ask your vet to register the chip

Adoption specifics

• Shelters and associations (non-governmental organizations) can hand over a pet to any adult; a minor needs a parent's consent
• You cannot be stopped from adopting a pet from a shelter, but a contract with the NGO is common and wise
• Buying a dog or cat from a pet shop is allowed only from registered breeders; street sales are not legal

If you are in doubt about a situation

Call the police (192) or the unified number 112 — animal abuse is a criminal offence, not just a misdemeanor, in serious cases.