Georgia has officially begun enforcing the new Law on Domestic Animals as of January 1, 2026, introducing strict nationwide regulations on pet ownership, registration, breeding, and animal welfare. The legislation enters into force in stages and will be fully implemented by July 1, 2028.
Under the government’s timetable, by February 1, 2026, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture must submit a moratorium on dog breeding along with temporary rules for managing dog overpopulation. By March 1, 2026, the government must adopt the identification and registration rules for domestic animals, sterilization and breeding regulations, and updated requirements for veterinary clinics and animal shelters. Municipalities must also bring their local animal ownership regulations into full compliance with the law by the same date.
By May 1, 2026, registration bodies must apply for access to the National Food Agency’s database, while non-registration entities must apply for database access only. The National Food Agency must ensure full database access for all relevant entities by July 1, 2026.
Starting January 1, 2027, financial penalties will apply for a number of violations, including:
– Failure to identify and register a pet — GEL 1,500
– Failure to sterilize/castrate — GEL 1,500
– Violation of mandatory rabies vaccination — GEL 500
– Unauthorized breeding — GEL 3,000
– Abandoning an animal — GEL 5,000 for individuals and GEL 10,000 for legal entities
Breeding-related fines for kennels will also take effect on January 1, 2027, including GEL 1,000 for violating breeding rules, GEL 5,000 for breeding without registration, and GEL 10,000 for violating the breeding moratorium.
The amended Criminal Code introduces new criminal penalties for animal cruelty. Torture or cruel treatment causing injury will be punishable by a fine, six months to one year of house arrest, or up to three years of imprisonment. If the act results in the animal’s death, the punishment increases to a fine, one to two years of house arrest, or two to five years of imprisonment.
The law’s phased implementation continues through 2027. From July 1, 2026, all pet owners must ensure their animals are properly identified and registered, while owners of already-identified animals must complete the registration process. Kennels must also register with local municipalities starting July 2026. Registered animals will not be subject to mandatory sterilization or castration until January 1, 2027. Additionally, the government must approve certification standards for dog and cat specialists by July 1, 2027, and all such specialists must complete certification or request recognition of equivalent qualifications by July 1, 2028.
Despite most sanctions taking effect in 2027, several fines are already enforceable as of January 1, 2026. Pet owners may now be fined GEL 150 for walking an animal without a leash or muzzle, GEL 150 for violating transport rules, and GEL 50 for bringing an animal into a prohibited space. From January 1, 2027, registered entities such as private shelters, kennels, and veterinarians may be fined GEL 3,000 for violating identification and registration requirements and GEL 500 for violating care and ownership rules. Non-registered entities, including pet hotels, trainers, groomers, and sellers, will face GEL 500 fines for similar violations.
The government aims for the new legislation to significantly improve animal welfare, strengthen public safety, and establish a modern regulatory framework for responsible pet ownership throughout Georgia.
