Aruba announces new animal welfare and pet ownership policy

The Government of Aruba, through the Ministry of Health, Elderly Care and Addiction and the Directorate of Public Health (DVG), is preparing a new animal welfare and community management policy. The initiative aims to promote responsible pet ownership to prevent animal abandonment and enhance safety for both humans and animals.

Key components of the responsible owner guidelines include a long-term commitment to the pet and its offspring, ensuring health through vaccinations and sterilization to prevent unwanted reproduction, and maintaining proper identification via collars or microchips registered in an up-to-date database. Additionally, owners are expected to ensure pets do not roam uncontrolled, which could pose risks to the community and the environment.