# Portuguese veterinary advocacy and regulation efforts

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-veterinary-advocacy-and-regulation-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-29T05:21:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Order of Veterinarians (OMV) in Portugal has initiated several legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts. Initially, OMV president Pedro Fabrica called for stricter oversight of domestic pet breeding and online sales during a parliamentary hearing. He highlighted issues such as fraudulent microchips and the lack of oversight in online transactions, proposing that all online pet advertisements be validated through the SIAC system and that home breeding require formal authorization.

Following these calls for regulation, the OMV launched a petition to the Assembly of the Republic to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on veterinary services for companion animals. The petition, which collected approximately 8,000 signatures, seeks to lower the tax rate from 23% to 6%. The OMV is currently advocating for this reduction to be included in the 2027 State Budget, citing the need for accessible veterinary medicine for the country’s estimated 2.2 million pet-owning families.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Portuguese veterinarians petition to reduce VAT on pet care

The Order of Veterinarians in Portugal has submitted a petition with 8,000 signatures to reduce VAT on pet care services from 23% to 6%.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-veterinarians-petition-to-reduce-vat-on-pet-care

### 2026-10-06: Veterinary Order calls for regulation of online pet sales

The president of the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários is calling for stricter regulation of online pet sales and domestic breeding in Portugal to combat fraudulent microchips and lack of oversight.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veterinary-order-calls-for-regulation-of-online-pet-sales

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Cite as: Portuguese veterinary advocacy and regulation efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-veterinary-advocacy-and-regulation-efforts
