The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (ETS No. 125) contains provisions to protect pet animals, and seeks to establish a basic common standard of attitude and practice towards pet ownership. Provisions are included on breeding, boarding, keeping of pet animals. The Convention also aims at regulating trading in and breeding of pet animals, at prohibiting the modification of their natural appearance and at reducing the number of stray animals.

At the Multilateral Consultations held in 1995, the Parties adopted Resolutions aiming at facilitating and harmonising the implementation of certain provisions of the Convention.

For their work, the Parties have invited non-member States of the Council of Europe and cooperated very closely with non-governmental organisations representing the fields concerned: breeders, veterinarians, specialists in animal behaviour, animal protection associations etc. who participated as observers in the meetings.