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

The main law

Croatia's key statute is the Animal Protection Act (Zakon o zaštiti životinja, Official Gazette NN 102/2017, as amended by NN 32/2019 and NN 78/2024). It covers keeping, breeding, transport and the protection of animals from cruelty.

What every owner must do

• Provide food, water, accommodation and veterinary care adequate to the species
• Keep dogs leashed or in an enclosed property in public areas
• Register dogs with the local authority (the chip must be entered into the national register)
• Do not abandon an animal — abandonment is a punishable offence

Adoption specifics

• City shelters and animal-protection associations hand over pets to adults; a minor needs a guardian's consent
• Adopting from a shelter is free or symbolic, and usually includes a contract and spaying/neutering
• Breeders and pet shops must be registered and follow the law's animal-welfare rules

Reporting a problem

Police (192), the unified EU number 112, and animal-protection NGOs (for example HCP in Zagreb) all accept reports about animals in danger. County inspection authorities (inspektorat) carry out on-site checks.