Six legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:
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 advanced out of the state Senate and is now in the state Assembly for consideration. AKC supports this proposal.
California – AB 506 expands consumer protection rights for pet buyers in the state. AKC has worked extensively on the bill and secured amendments to require breeders and rescues to provide certain information on the dog’s health and background at the time of sale. The bill has advanced out of the state Assembly is now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports the bill. Read more.
California – AB 519 prohibits brokers from selling or facilitating the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits. AKC ensured police and service dog transactions were exempt and secured an amendment in the Senate to protect private sales of personally-owned dogs. The bill has passed the state Assembly and is before the state Senate for consideration. AKC is working with stakeholders to ensure the rights of responsible breeders are protected and will continue to monitor the bill.
California – SB 312 mandates health certificates for dogs imported for resale, shifts submission to the state Department of Food and Agriculture, and requires public access to these records, while redacting specific identifying information from immediate public access. The bill has passed the state Senate and is now before the state Assembly for consideration. After working with stakeholders to ensure privacy rights are respected, AKC now supports the bill.
California – AB 631 requires California animal shelters to publicly post detailed intake and outcome data online, updated quarterly and accessible for five years. The bill advanced out of the state Assembly but missed deadlines in the state Senate to be considered. AKC supports bills like AB 631 that provide accurate data on the causes for shelter population concerns.
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 has advanced out of the state Assembly is now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports this proposal.
California – AB 793 revises the criteria for designating dogs as dangerous or vicious, requiring clear evidence and uniform standards across California, while prohibiting such designations if the dog was provoked or defending against an attack. The bill passed the state Assembly but missed deadlines in the state Senate to be considered. AKC monitored this bill.
California – AB 867 as introduced restricted declawing procedures – including the removal of dewclaws—to licensed veterinarians for “therapeutic purposes” only, requiring documentation and allowing for disciplinary actions against violators. At the request of AKC, the bill was amended in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee to ensure the bill would solely apply to cat declawing and would not prevent dog dewclaw removal. The bill has passed the state Assembly and is before the state Senate for consideration. AKC is now neutral on the bill.
California – AB 478 requires California cities and counties to update emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures during evacuations, ensure public access to related information, and protect rescued pets from adoption or euthanasia for 90 days. The bill has passed the state Assembly and now before the state Senate for consideration. AKC supports the bill.
Delaware – HB 131 This Act prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space to showcase dogs or cats for adoption. Retailers will receive a civil penalty of no more than $500 for each prohibited sale. The bill was passed by the House Health & Human Development following a hearing on May 14, 2025. The bill was not voted on by the full House of Representatives prior to the end of session on June 30 but may be brought up in the second half of session starting in January of 2026.
Delaware – SB 118 removes the sunset provision passed in 2022 that permits pet owners to pursue compensatory damages without limitations for veterinary bills incurred to care for a pet that was injured by negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of another individual or the individual’s pet. In the case of death, the owner can collect the fair market value of the pet prior to death and the reasonable and necessary cost of veterinary care. The governor signed the bill on August 20, 2025.
Michigan – Senate Bills 293 and 294 address the issue of animals being seized on cruelty charges, and the payment of their care during impoundment. These bills could cause a person accused of cruelty to permanently forfeit their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty of charges. AKC appreciates that the bills clarify that if the owner is found not guilty, the animal must be returned to the owner. However, the return appears to be incumbent on whether or not the owner has kept up on cost of care payments during the trial. The bills were considered by the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on September 11.
Michigan – House Bills 4204 and 4205 would allow breweries to permit dogs inside with certain criteria o ensure the health, safety, and comfort of all customers. The bills were considered in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform on September 11, 2025.
Massachusetts – In May, SD 2945 was filed late to address an issue resulting from passage of Ollie’s Law last session. SD 2945 would allow the keeper of any dog held in a licensed kennel to remove its dog tag in the interest of safety so long as the dog has another means of identification. The Senate has referred it to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
Massachusetts – HB 1476 regarding pet friendly housing would among other provisions, prohibit public housing facilities from banning dogs based on breed, size, weight, or appearance; and prevent eviction solely due to pet ownership. AKC issued this alert and submitted supportive testimony. The committee extended its reporting date to October 2, on August 28.
Massachusetts – SB 1458 and HB 2253 (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 under the state’s authority to oversee pet shops. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition at a Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government public hearing. On August 5, the committee favorably released a re-drafted bill, HB 4365, and sent it to House Ways and Means. HB 4365 would create a new “personal breeder kennel” municipal license for anyone with three (3) or more intact females whelping a litter in the preceding 12 months who sell or exchange the offspring. The state would issue regulations within 18 months for commercial breeder and personal breeder kennels to be enforced by the state and municipal ACOs. AKC and MassFed are analyzing details in HB 4365.
Massachusetts – HB 2245 would create a new section requiring municipal licensure and state regulations for the transfer of dogs by commercial breeding kennels, as defined in MGL c. 140 § 136A. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and a public hearing was held on June 10.
Massachusetts – HB 2342 and SB 1459 would require a hearing authority seeking to impound a dog deemed dangerous to obtain a court order of impoundment for any length of time held beyond the mandated quarantine period. In addition to confinement specifics, these bills would require the owner consult with a veterinarian, behaviorist, or trainer to develop a public safety and behavior modification plan that solely employs evidence-based positive training techniques that do not result in pain, discomfort, fear or anxiety and do not use prong or choke collars. Despite concerns raised at the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government public hearing, on August 14 the bill was reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means.
Massachusetts – SB 1460 would significantly amend current law restricting how and when you are permitted to tether or confine a dog. AKC agrees that no dog ought to be tethered with a pinch or choke collar. However, AKC is opposed to Sections 1, 4 and 6 because (1) a pen or secure enclosure would be required to provide at least 100 square feet per dog; and (2) the proposed definition of “outside and unattended” would prohibit outdoor kennel use for longer than 5 hours or from 10pm to 6am. AKC issued this alert and testified in opposition to those provisions at the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government public hearing.
Massachusetts – HB 2319 mandates 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 originating 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. AKC supports the bill and issued this alert noting the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries public hearing scheduled for September 16.
Massachusetts – SB 1207and HB 1914 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. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in support at the Joint Committee on Judiciary public hearing.
Massachusetts – HB 3850 establishes The Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in support at the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs public hearing.
Massachusetts – SB 1206 standardizes 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. This concern was shared with the Joint Committee on Judiciary, who voted the bill favorably without changes and forwarded it to Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Massachusetts – SB 1277 and HB 1934 would establish new protections for neglected animals by defining neglect and empowering authorities to act in emergencies. They would allow for animal removal, care petitions, and seizures. A court hearing would be held within 10 days to assess the animal’s condition and the owner’s capacity to care for it. If neglect is confirmed, the court may order forfeiture, euthanasia, or recovery of care costs from the owner. Appeals are limited to new evidence, and other animals may also be forfeited if the owner cannot provide humane care. AKC issued this alert and testified in support of the bills’ intent at the Joint Committee on Judiciary public hearing, but, requested multiple amendments to ensure fair and constitutional requirements are satisfied.
Massachusetts – HB 337 requires 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 re-registration within 5 years by paying the lapsed license fee and submitting an affidavit. The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure released the bill favorably to House Ways and Means Committee, where it remains pending.
Massachusetts – HB 3024 creates a sales tax exemption for animal medication prescribed by veterinarians. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue.
Massachusetts – SB 1263 focuses on the protection and valuation of pets, specifically cats and dogs, including the 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. AKC issued this alert and submitted testimony in opposition at the Joint Committee on Judiciary public hearing.
Massachusetts – HB 1938 (An Act Enhancing The Issuance Of Citations For Cruel Conditions For Animals) requires 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, to promulgate regulations to implement, enforce, and administer regulations for dogs and animals under MGL c. 140 § 174E (f) and (g). AKC issued this alert and submitted a request for amendment at the Joint Committee on Judiciary public hearing.
Massachusetts – SB 618 is one of several bills that 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. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and a public hearing has been tentatively scheduled for October 21.
New Jersey – A.4051 seeks to prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops and would add the definition of pet dealer (any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit OR any person who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year) found in another section of NJ statute. Additionally, the bill seeks to completely repeal New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act, which allows for consumer restitution if an animal they purchase becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after purchase and a veterinarian certifies that the animal as unfit for purchase. A 4051 had a hearing in the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee for the purpose of issuing a substitute with minor changes that was approved, but not voted out of the Committee. The bill awaits reassignment to a different committee. AKC GR continues to stay in communication with the committee chair and has worked with allied organizations in opposing the bill and its companion bill, S.2511.
New Jersey – S.3277 requires transfer of certain excess animal control funds to prosecutors, municipalities, police departments, and Police Training Commission for enforcement of animal cruelty laws and training humane law enforcement officers. This bill was reported from the Senate Economic Growth Committee, and has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee where it remains pending.
New Jersey – A.5173 is proposed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Spearman, Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee chair, which establishes a Responsible Animal Breeding Working Group within Department of Agriculture to study the sourcing of dogs. In the proposed legislation, a representative of AKC is included in the working group as well as the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs. The bill was referred to the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture. No hearing date has been set for the bill.
New Jersey – S.3814 seeks to establish a “Dog Training Licensing Board”, to determine proper training methods for the state, require state licensing for all trainers, and ban any training that could cause distress. Concerns with the bill is that, as written, it would include not just professional training facilities, but CGC, handling, agility, and basic obedience classes that are often offered by experts in clubs on a part-time basis. Further, it would develop one training philosophy for the state by mandating one training philosophy that doesn’t allow for flexibility in training practices. AKC GR, along with several dog trainers and club members, provided testimony at hearing on the bill before the Senate Economic Growth Committee. As a result of the testimony, it was announced at the conclusion of the hearing that the sponsor has decided to put a hold on the bill. AKC GR continues to monitor the bill.
New Jersey – S.1406 would prohibit a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (commonly known as declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian. Further, “therapeutic purpose” as used in the bill does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons for convenience in keeping or handling the animal. While the legislation does not specifically mention dogs, as written, it could be interpreted to include dogs. The bill was approved on a 3-2 vote from the Senate Economic Growth Committee for referral to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee where it has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. AKC GR continues to work with the sponsor on previously agreed language that exempts dogs from the legislation.
Ohio – House Bill 247 significantly strengthens the state’s dangerous dog laws and includes several provisions recommended by the AKC. AKC supports this bill, which unanimously passed the House and is pending in the Senate.
Pennsylvania – HB 693 is legislation entitled “All Dogs Equal” which would require all kennels licensed by the state to meet the same standards and requirements for the housing, care and well-being of the dogs maintained at their facilities as are presently in place for commercial kennels. Currently, the various other types and classes of kennels licensed in PA (boarding kennels, pet shop-kennels, rescue network kennels, etc.) follow less stringent rules and regulation regarding facilities and other protections required by commercial kennels. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
Pennsylvania – HB 1515 is legislation that prohibits insurers in Pennsylvania from discriminating against homeowners based solely on the breed of dog they own, unless the dog has been legally deemed dangerous, with the new rules applying to insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified 60 days after the law takes effect. The bill has been referred to the House Housing & Community Development, and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
Pennsylvania – Working with State Senator Gene Yaw and staff, Senator Yaw is currently soliciting cosponsor to reintroduce legislation establishing an Animal Welfare Board. The Board would consist of experts in their respective fields, who will be responsible for reviewing existing laws and regulations in the Commonwealth related to keeping and handling of animals. While the legislation has yet to be formally introduced, Senator Yaw has assured AKC that a member representing both the American Kennel Club and the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs will be included on the board. Plans are for formal introduction of the bill when the Senate returns to session in September.
Virginia – HB 2313/SB 1051 originally allowed for an animal control officer to inspect a grooming or boarding establishment that is not regulated by the Board of Veterinary Medicine with the consent of the owner or person in charge or pursuant to a warrant upon a receipt of a complaint or twice annually upon their own motion to ensure compliance with state animal care laws and regulations. While the bills passed both the House and Senate, an alternative version offered by the Governor replaced the existing language to instead direct the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to convene a work group to consider whether to propose a state license and other regulatory requirements for animal boarding establishments. This version was approved and signed by the Governor, and AKC GR and the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders are participating in the work group convening this fall.