Impact

9,016,468

dogs and cats in Colombia

A huge population that depends on responsible, traceable and regulated breeding.

Source: Colombian Ministry of Health, 2024

15 to 20 years

until legally sourced companion animals disappear

Without legal breeding, animals of known origin would disappear within 15 to 20 years — sooner for short-lived species.

Source: Professional opinion of the sector (see Technical annex)

Smuggling

and health risks

A ban pushes demand toward illegal markets and animals entering without health controls, raising zoonotic risk.

Source: Professional opinion of the sector (see Technical annex)

Working dogs

and national security

The Armed Forces, Police and assistance services rely on specialized breeding programs for detection, rescue and medical support.

Source: Professional opinion of the sector (see Technical annex)

54.5%

labor informality

Thousands of formal jobs in the sector would be at risk in a country where informality already exceeds half of the employed population.

Source: DANE (National Statistics Department), 2026