2026-01-27 14:29:48
Hanoi, 27 January 2026, the Third Technical Meeting of the Companion Animals Technical Working Group, under the One Health Partnership (OHP) on zoonotic disease prevention and control in Viet Nam, was convened under the chairmanship of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, with the support of FOUR PAWS International (FPI).
The meeting brought together representatives from central government agencies, technical departments, research institutes, universities, United Nations agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, Embassies, businesses, associations, and media agencies.
Strengthening Companion Animal Management through a One Health Approach
In his opening remarks, Mr. Phan Quang Minh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, highlighted the ongoing challenges in companion animal management in Viet Nam, including free-roaming dogs and cats, limited registration and vaccination coverage, and risks associated with the trade and transport of dogs and cats, which pose threats to public health, food safety, and animal welfare.
He emphasized that these challenges require a comprehensive One Health approach, with close coordination among animal health, human health, environmental sectors, local authorities, and community participation. Accordingly, the development of the roadmap at this juncture represents a necessary and timely measure to ensure effective management and resolution of the aforementioned issues..
Mr. Matt Backhouse, Regional Head of Stray Animal Care Program, Southeast Asia, FOUR PAWS International, said: “As a standing co-chair of the Companion Animal Technical Working Group, working in close coordination with the One Health Partnership Secretariat, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and relevant technical agencies, FOUR PAWS emphasizes the importance of the prompt implementation of a roadmap to phase out the dog and cat meat trade in Viet Nam. This roadmap will serve as a critical tool to protect public health, strengthen animal welfare, and support sustainable development. FOUR PAWS remains committed to working alongside the Government to advance a step-by-step approach that builds social consensus and delivers long-term, sustainable outcomes”.
The meeting featured presentations on the current situation and challenges in quarantine and transport of companion animals; updates on dog and cat welfare initiatives in the region and in Viet Nam; experiences from pilot models implemented in Hanoi; and international experiences, including the Republic of Korea’s pathway toward ending dog meat consumption through a clear legal framework and livelihood transition support.
These experiences underscored the importance of evidence-based, phased, and context-specific approaches when developing national roadmaps.
A key focus of the meeting was the discussion of a draft roadmap to reduce and progressively end the dog and cat meat trade, aligned with the goal of rabies elimination by 2030 in Viet Nam. Participants agreed that the roadmap should prioritize policy and legal development, strengthened enforcement, companion animal population management and vaccination, behavior change communication, and appropriate livelihood transition support.
The meeting acknowledged and appreciated the proactive role of FOUR PAWS International (FPI) in working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, and partners to advance the development of the roadmap. While FPI has committed initial financial and technical support, participants emphasized the need for continued contributions from government agencies, local authorities, international organizations, Embassies, and development partners to ensure sustainable and effective implementation over the five-year period.
In closing, the Chair emphasized that the outcomes of the Third Technical Meeting would provide an important basis for the Companion Animals Technical Working Group and the OHP Secretariat to further refine the draft roadmap, clarify priorities, and strengthen coordination mechanisms in the coming period.
The meeting reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to rabies control, improved companion animal management, animal welfare, and public health protection, in line with sustainable development goals and regional and global trends.
