Since 1 October 2022, anyone acquiring a dog in France must first sign a certificate of engagement and knowledge of the species' specific needs (certificat d'engagement et de connaissance). Introduced by the law of 30 November 2021 against animal mistreatment (article L214-8 of the Rural Code), it aims to make buyers weigh what a dog's arrival involves before committing.
Who signs it?
The certificate is signed by the buyer, the person who will become the puppy's owner. It's their commitment: whoever issues it doesn't sign it.
It applies to every individual acquiring a dog, whether they buy it or are given it, and even if they've had dogs before. As a breeder, you must make sure each family has signed it before the handover.
Who can issue it?
The certificate is issued by someone holding a recognised qualification: the pet knowledge certificate (ACACED), a diploma or an equivalent certificate. It can be the breeder if qualified, a vet or an association. Their name, qualification and date obtained appear on the document.
The handwritten statement
The buyer copies out by hand a statement acknowledging that they know the animal's needs and committing to meet them, then dates and signs it. A fully typed version, without the handwritten statement, doesn't meet the requirement.
The 7-day delay
This is the most important point: at least 7 days must pass between the signed certificate and the puppy's handover. This cooling-off period protects the buyer from an impulse purchase.
What does the certificate cover?
The document covers the dog's physiological, behavioural and medical needs, its owner's obligations (identification, care, keeping), the cost of keeping the animal throughout its life and what acquiring it involves.
Common mistakes
- Having it signed on departure day: the 7-day delay isn't respected.
- Having the breeder sign it instead of the buyer.
- Only asking families who've never had a dog: every buyer owes it.
- Forgetting the handwritten statement or the date.
- Not keeping a copy: keep a signed copy, it protects you during an inspection.
Affixe generates the certificate on the official model from each reservation, with the qualified issuer, and warns you if the planned handover falls less than 7 days after.
In short
- The engagement certificate is signed by every buyer and issued by a qualified person (ACACED or equivalent).
- It carries a handwritten statement, a date and a signature.
- The handover can only happen at least 7 days after it's signed, and never before the puppy is 8 weeks old.
- It comes before the transfer of ownership, handed over on departure day.
This guide informs; it isn't legal or veterinary advice. Texts change: check with the authorities or your vet.