What is the Certificate of Knowledge for Pets of Domestic Species (ACACED)?

Article L214-6-1 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code requires minimum knowledge to carry out activities related to animals of the following domestic species:

• Management of a pound or a shelter
• Commercial exercise of selling domestic animals (including 5 species of fish considered domestic)
• Breeding, education and training
• Transit or keeping of domestic animals
• Presentation of dogs and cats to the public

Since January 1, 2016, the certificate of capacity for domestic animals (CCAD) has been abolished and replaced by the ACACED.

To obtain authorization to practice, applicants must:

• Proof of a diploma, title or certification attesting that they have the required knowledge (see Appendix II: list of diplomas - Order of February 4, 2016) or; 2016 (see list annex II) or;
• Follow training in one of the training centers authorizedby the ministry responsible for agriculture and pass the assessment. Successful completion of the assessment results in the issuance of a Certificate of Knowledge for Domestic Companion Animals (ACACED) by the DRAAF PACA. This certificate of knowledge is recognized as one of the proofs of knowledge allowing the exercise of activities related to companion animals.

Once one of the 4 conditions of exercise is justified, the applicant can initiate the declaration procedure of professional activity related to companion animals.

The authorization to practice is only valid for 10 years. All persons concerned must update their knowledge every 10 years after the date written on the certificate of knowledge or date of issue of their certification (ACACED, diploma or title).

See also: List of training organizations accredited at national level until January 31, 2025