Forty-seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:
Arizona – Senate Bill 1457 would establish a new Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health within the Office of the State Veterinarian. It would, in part require “all backyard breeders and hobby breeders to register and receive a companion animal permit from the department.” AKC has reached out to the sponsor and committee chair to express our concerns.
Arizona – Senate Bill 1456 would define anyone who maintains female dogs “for the primary purpose of selling their offspring as companion animals” as a commercial breeder and develop a new state permit process, as well as require all who meet the definition to comply with USDA regulations. The bill is assigned to the Senate Committee on Government. AKC has reached out to the sponsor and committee chair to express our concerns.
Arizona – Senate Bill 1033 increases the mandatory bond for care amount for animals that are “properly seized” on suspicion of cruelty from $25 per animal to $500 per animal. The bill has passed the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee and is pending consideration by the full Senate.
Arizona – Senate Bill 1241 would require that if a dog bites a person, the owner’s contact information must be provided to that person. This bill is pending in the Senate Government Committee.
California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person’s animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has been referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee.
California – AB 506 voids certain contracts for the sale of dogs and cats in California if they involve brokers (not breeders) and include nonrefundable deposits or lack source disclosure, while also providing legal remedies for affected buyers. The bill awaits a committee referral.
California – AB 519 prohibits brokers (not breeders) from selling or facilitating the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits, defining brokers as those who profit from such transactions, thereby expanding existing pet protection laws. The bill awaits a committee referral.
California – SB 312 mandates health certificates for dogs imported for resale, shifts submission to the state department, and requires public access to these records, while exempting certain dogs and not requiring state reimbursement for local costs. The bill awaits a committee referral.
California – AB 631 requires California animal shelters to publicly post detailed intake and outcome data online, updated monthly and accessible for five years. The bill awaits a committee referral.
California – AB 400 mandates that by January 1, 2027, all California law enforcement agencies with canine units must adopt policies compliant with the latest POST standards. The bill awaits a committee referral.
Colorado – House Bill 25-1180 prohibits the sale or transfer of any dog on public property, including parking lots and publicly-owned facilities, unless the sale/transfer is being conducted by a rescue. AKC and the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs are clarifying how this would impact those who may reasonably transfer a dog by meeting at a pre-arranged location. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on March 5.
Colorado – House Bill 25-1207 would require landlords of public housing to permit pets on the premises, while still allowing for requirements regarding nuisance, ownership limits, liability insurance, etc. – so long as no restrictions are breed-specific. It also provides tax credits to landlords of affordable housing who are pet friendly. The bill also clarifies that current law requiring that homeowner’s insurance not restrict breeds should also incorporate renter’s insurance. It is scheduled for a hearing in the House Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee on March 5.
Connecticut – H.B.5902 An Act Concerning the Breeding of Animals in the State would regulate the breeding of animals within the state by mandating that individuals or companies involved in breeding activities be registered with the Department of Agriculture which would establish comprehensive guidelines for animal breeding practices, develop and maintain a breeder registry, and collect registration fees from breeders. AKC has contacted the sponsor who indicated that she is concerned about overpopulation at Connecticut shelters.
Connecticut – H.B.6998 would require the licensing of dogs every three years instead of annually and would continue to impose the current fees that are higher for intact dogs. A public hearing will be scheduled.
Connecticut – HB 6964 would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in support for the February 18 public hearing.
Connecticut – HB 6277 mandates that animal breeders and animal testing facilities must offer dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which are no longer needed and do not pose a health or safety risk, for adoption. The Joint Environment Committee voted on February 10 to draft the bill. A public hearing will be scheduled.
Connecticut – HB 6832 would authorize municipalities to adopt local ordinances banning the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits. AKC issued an alert that the Joint Planning and Development Committee was accepting testimony February 3 and testified in opposition.
Connecticut – HB 5112 An Act Prohibiting Certain Sales and Leases of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits in Retail Pet Stores was voted January 22 by the Joint General Law Committee to be drafted and was considered on February 10. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition. Similarly, HB 6240, HB 6255, HB 5909 and HB 5138 are bills designed to further regulate pet stores that have been sent to the Joint Environment Committee for consideration.
Connecticut – S.B.166 would impose penalties to prevent fraud and abuse by persons claiming to have service animals. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Human Services.
Connecticut – S.B.182 would authorize use of health savings or flexible spending accounts for veterinary expenses. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate.
Connecticut – S.B.272 and S.B. 267 would allowing emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to police animals injured under certain circumstances. These have been assigned to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security.
Connecticut – H.B.5055 would allow veterinarians to deviate from standard vaccine dosage protocols when it is deemed beneficial for the health and well-being of the animal, including permitting veterinarians to use a rabies antibody titer test to assess whether an animal requires a rabies booster vaccine. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health.
Connecticut – S.B. 342 would amend the general statutes to limit the liability of municipalities for injuries that occur in skateboard parks or dog parks that they maintain. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.
Hawai’i – SB 1022 prohibits leaving pet animals in unattended vehicles under dangerous conditions, allows officials and citizens to rescue them, and provides immunity from liability, effective July 1, 2025. The bill has advanced out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment/Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs.
Hawai’i – HB 699 seeks to protect pet owners by limiting additional fees and deposits landlords can charge for pets. The bill has advanced out of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce and awaits further action. AKC supports provisions in the bill banning the discrimination against dogs solely based on breed.
Hawai’i – SB 593 establishes regulations for commercial dog breeders in Hawaii, defining standards of care, limiting the number of dogs owned, requiring recordkeeping, and authorizing counties to license and inspect breeders, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill advanced out of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection with an AKC supported amendment further protecting responsible dog breeders. AKC will continue to monitor this proposal.
Illinois – House Bill 1556 is a bill being brought forward by members of the pet retail community to repeal the current retail pet store ban. The bill also defines “professional breeder” and stipulates standards of care. AKC is working with stakeholders on clarifying amendments to ensure this does not impact private sales of dogs. The bill is pending committee assignment.
Illinois – House Bill 1603 stipulates that a landlord with at least three units of housing may not deny housing to a tenant based on the breed of dog they own, unless the dog has been declared dangerous or vicious under state law. AKC supports this bill, which is pending committee assignment.
Kansas- Senate Bill 130 requires licensees under the Kansas Pet Animal Act to post a bond for the care of animals if they are seized by the Department of Agriculture for violations of the Act. The posted bond prevents the sale or euthanasia of the animals until a final determination is made as to whether the animals may be returned to the person following an administrative hearing. Failure to post a bond within 10 days shall result in the automatic legal transfer of the animals. The bill has no limits on the amount of the bond/cost of care. The bill was recently referred to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Maine – L.D. 133 would amend the laws regarding nuisance dogs. AKC issued an alert noting the proposed text conflicts with municipal authority by including barking dogs in the law addressing dangerous dogs. AKC testified in opposition at the February 6 public hearing by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The committee has received 100 written testimonies primarily in support of tools to effectively solve barking dog issues.
Maine – LD 308 would amend the laws governing the Animal Welfare Advisory Council to enhance the administrative functions of the council by allowing it to hold regular public meetings at least every other month, with the option to waive a succeeding meeting by a majority vote. The chair would be empowered to call special meetings upon written request by two or more members and authorized to delegate duties to council members individually or through the formation of subcommittees. The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has scheduled a hearing for February 27.
Maine – LD 498 would mandate the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to establish rules for animal rescue entities, with a particular focus on dog rescue operations. According to the bill sponsor, an animal rescue operator has 30 to 40 dogs in their home they are incapable of adequately caring for and the state has not responded to requests for action. The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has scheduled a hearing for February 27.
Maine – LD 528 would establish a system of Certified Rabies Vaccinators appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry after training to administer rabies vaccines to animals.
Massachusetts – S.D.1017 and H.D.2408 An Act Relative To Updating Animal Health Inspections would require persons selling, exchanging or otherwise transferring the offspring of their personally owned animals to be licensed, inspected and regulated as a pet shop.
Massachusetts – H.D.2126 would mandate annual reporting by certain nonprofit animal placement entities on the importation of dogs and cats into Massachusetts. The report must detail the number of dogs and cats brought into Massachusetts during the previous year, including the state or country of origin for each animal, along with identification of the origination source and transporter. This reporting requirement is intended to provide better oversight and tracking of animal movements into the state, thereby supporting animal health and welfare.
Massachusetts – SD 134 would impose restrictions on individuals convicted of animal abuse by prohibiting them from owning or accessing animals for a specified period. For a first offense, the prohibition lasts at least five years from the date of conviction or release from custody, whichever is later, and extends to at least fifteen years for subsequent offenses.
Massachusetts – H.D.383 would establish The Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program.
Massachusetts – S.D.133 would standardize courts’ consideration of pets In divorce and separation by allowing “joint custody”. AKC believes as property, the court ought to use the legal term “ownership” instead of “custody” which applies to children.
Massachusetts – H.D.336 would impose a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers.
Massachusetts – H.D.419 would require veterinarians seeking license renewal to provide evidence of completing continuing education as required by the board’s regulations. For veterinarians who have temporarily retired or moved out of the state, it would allow for up to re-registration within 5 years by paying the lapsed license fee and submitting an affidavit.
Massachusetts – H.D.569 would create a sales tax exemption for animal medication prescribed by veterinarians.
Massachusetts – S.D.189 would focus on the protection and valuation of pets, specifically cats and dogs, including fair monetary value of the deceased animal to its owner, compensation for the loss of comfort, protection, companionship, and other special damages such as the recovery of reasonable afterlife expenses, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
Massachusetts – H.D.810 An Act Enhancing The Issuance Of Citations For Cruel Conditions For Animals would require the commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources, in consultation with the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, promulgate regulations to implement, enforce, and administer regulations for dogs and animals under MGL c. 140 § 174E (f) and (g).
Massachusetts – S.D.552 would ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs In pet shops eliminating consumer protections while encouraging the showcasing of animals from shelters and rescues at these locations.
Montana – S.B. 300 provides protections for service animals and handlers. The bill is before the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee for consideration. AKC supports this proposal.
Montana – S.B. 149 revises Montana laws on emotional support animals, detailing documentation requirements for tenants and landlords, and clarifying definitions and responsibilities without introducing new funding or deadlines. The Bill has passed the Senate and awaits consideration by the House. AKC is monitoring this proposal.
New Hampshire – SB 290 would amend the description of the crime of animal cruelty at RSA to 644:8 to insert a broad definition and application for the word “torture” where it appears, without exception for current lawful animal activities. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing for February 18. AKC testified and issued this alert in opposition.
New Hampshire – HB 240 would remove the penalty for non-payment of dog licenses. AKC testified on January 21 in opposition because compliance with rabies vaccination requirements is enforced by dog licensure. A subcommittee has proposed clarification that a town “may” issue an animal forfeiture warrant to someone not in compliance rather than “shall” to allow additional time for compliance. After adoption of the amendment, the bill was sent to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on February 13.
New Hampshire – HB 86 would increase the cost of service for notice of civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs to the rate for certified mail. The committee voted January 28 for it to pass with an amendment ensuring the increased rate would mirror the actual cost.
New Hampshire – HB 250 would enable local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs.
New Hampshire – HB 153 would require that two or more law enforcement officers in each county receive training regarding animal cruelty. The House Environment and Agriculture Committee heard testimony January 21 that law enforcement needs additional training on animal cruelty laws and investigations. A subcommittee is meeting February 14 to re-draft the bill.
New Hampshire – HB 262 would impact the group licenses for dogs by raising certain licensing fees and limiting the number of dogs allowed by a holder of a group license.
New Hampshire – HB 267 would exempt individuals with degrees in veterinary medicine or chiropractics who have completed a nationally recognized animal chiropractic program from veterinary licensure requirements. The committee voted January 22 that it ought to pass.
New Hampshire – HB 272 would exempt certain agricultural practices from municipal quiet hours.
New Hampshire – SB 32 would allow the Fish and Game Commission’s public hearing notices to be posted digitally on newspaper websites and make other changes for anglers. The committee held a hearing and voted January 30 that the bill ought to pass with amendment.
New Hampshire – S.B.50 would establish a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. After the January 23 hearing, the committee voted it ought to pass on January 30.
New Hampshire – HB 593 would expand the scope of loss of consortium claims to include pets, allowing individuals to seek damages for the loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support of a pet. The House Judiciary Committee scheduled a public hearing for February 12. AKC testified and issued this alert in opposition.
New York – As with past years, AKC GR is already monitoring over 100 bills with the potential to impact dog owners, including Senate Bill 1802, which would ban ear cropping and tail docking and has been assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee. This bill, like the majority of those already introduced, has been introduced in numerous past sessions. To date, no hearings have been set for bills of concern. AKC GR will continue to closely monitor and provide more information when available.
New York – Senate Bill 364 expands protection to renters in the state, ensuring that insurance may not deny renters coverage or impose increased rates based solely on harboring a dog of a specific breed. AKC is supporting this bill, which passed the Senate Insurance Committee and is pending consideration by the full Senate.
Oklahoma – House Bill 1953 mandates no-notice annual inspections for licensed professional breeders and animal shelter facilities, which must occur between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight.
Oregon – HB 2478 requires the Oregon State Department of Agriculture to study animal cruelty and report findings to the legislature by September 15, 2026, with the requirement expiring on January 2, 2027. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. AKC is monitoring this proposal.
Oregon – SB 328 prohibits animal shelters in Oregon from euthanizing dogs and cats due to space constraints, except in cases of terminal illness or severe injury, and requires annual reporting on animal intake and destruction, with oversight by the State Department of Agriculture. The bill has been referred to the Housing and Development Committee for consideration. AKC is monitoring this bill.
Oregon – S.J.R.13 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a right for Oregon residents to fish, hunt, and gather wild foods, subject to conservation laws, and will be decided by voters in the next general election. The proposal is before the Rules Committee for consideration. AKC supports the intent of this proposed amendment.
Rhode Island – HB 5128 would amend the law pertaining to cruelty to animals, by introducing stricter penalties for offenses that result in the death of an animal.
Rhode Island – SB 34 would among many provisions, remove the sales tax on pet care services.
South Carolina – H 3034 (also known as Fargo’s, Hyco’s, Rico’s, Coba’s, Wick’s and Mikka’s Law) seeks to strengthen protections for police dogs and horses by expanding prohibited conduct such as teasing or harming the animal, increasing penalties, and requiring restitution for violations. AKC supported similar legislation introduced in a previous session. It is assigned to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Texas– House Bill 2325 mandates the creation of a publicly available statewide dangerous dog registry for municipalities with a population over 100,000. The bill was filed on February 3 and has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 1346 and Senate Bill 155 are identical bills that expand the definition of a dangerous dog to specift that a dog owner commits an offense if, through criminal negligence, they fail to secure their dog, resulting in an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death outside the owner’s property or vehicle. Bodily injury is defined as physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition. Additionally, the bill protects the identity of dangerous dog incident witnesses who give a sworn statement. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a similar bill during the 2023 regular session. SB 155 was referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and HB 1346 has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 349 limits civil liability for individuals who forcibly enter motor vehicles to rescue vulnerable individuals or domestic animals under specific conditions. These conditions include determining that the vehicle is locked or that there is no reasonable method for the individual or animal to exit without assistance, having a good faith belief that entry is necessary to prevent imminent harm, notifying law enforcement or calling 911 before entry, using only necessary force, and remaining with the rescued individual or animal until authorities arrive. However, immunity is not granted if law enforcement advises against entering the vehicle. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 471 requires animal shelters and releasing agencies to maintain detailed records of the animals in their custody, including the total number of live animals categorized by species and age, the reasons for assuming custody, and the final disposition of each animal. These records must be updated monthly and retained for at least three years. Additionally, the records must be made publicly accessible, either through the entity’s website or by providing physical access for inspection and copying. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 410 specifies if a lease agreement permits a tenant to have a pet on the premises, the landlord is authorized to collect either a one-time refundable pet deposit at the start of the lease or a monthly pet fee not exceeding $20, but not both. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 1817 repeals the Dog and Cat Breeder Act in its entirety. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.
Texas– House Bill 562 requires licensed dog and cat breeders to provide a bill of sale for each animal sold or exchanged. This bill of sale must include specific details such as the breeder’s name and license number, the purchaser’s name, a description of the animal, the date of the transaction, the amount paid, and a statement indicating that breeders are regulated by the Department, along with the Department’s contact information.
Vermont – H.14 would prohibit the use of animals in product testing.
Vermont – H. 183 would introduce a strict liability standard for injuries caused by domestic dogs, aiming to hold dog owners accountable for any harm their pets may inflict. The provisions establish that dog owners have a duty to keep their dogs under reasonable control and prevent them from running at large. Owners may be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any dangerous tendencies.
Vermont – H. 166 would introduce comprehensive regulations for hunting with dogs, specifically targeting the training and use of dogs in hunting. It establishes clear definitions for terms such as “accompany,” “at large,” and “control of dog,” emphasizing the need for handlers to maintain close supervision and control over their dogs without relying on electronic devices.
Washington – HB 1149 strengthens animal cruelty laws in Washington State by refining definitions, increasing penalties, and establishing procedures for the seizure and care of animals, with specific timelines for owner response and bond requirements. The bill has advanced out of the House of Representatives and awaits action in the Senate. AKC is monitoring this bill to ensure the rights of responsible dog owners are upheld.
Washington – HB 1716 amends dog breeding regulations in Washington State, reducing the number of dogs one can own and imposing stricter care standards, with violations classified as gross misdemeanors. The bill awaits action by the House Committee on Community Safety. AKC opposes this bill.
Washington – HB 1046 provides civil liability immunity for individuals who forcibly enter vehicles to rescue vulnerable persons or domestic animals, under specific conditions. The bill has passed the House of Representatives and awaits further consideration from the Senate. AKC is monitoring this bill to ensure the rights of responsible dog owners are protected.