37 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:
California – AB 2344 standardizes and strengthens due process protections for dog owners in California facing proceedings to declare their dogs potentially dangerous or vicious, raising the evidentiary standard and mandating uniform notification and appeal procedures statewide. The bill awaits consideration from the Assembly Judiciary Committee. AKC is monitoring this bill.
California – AB 2574 establishes a 10-year registration and public internet registry for felony animal abusers in California. The bill awaits consideration from the Assembly Public Safety Committee. AKC opposes the bill as currently written and is requesting amendments should the bill advance.
California – AB 2609 limits additional rent and security deposits that California landlords can charge tenants for common household pets. The bill awaits consideration from the Assembly Judiciary Committee. AKC is monitoring this bill.
Colorado – House Bill 26-1011 would ban sales by brokers and pet stores, and includes many false and inflammatory comments about commercial breeders. It has passed both chambers with an amendment that portions will not be enacted until 2028. AKC and the state federation continue to oppose.
Colorado – House Bill 26-1183 implements recommendations made in the 2025 sunset review of the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA). AKC and its state federation are closely following this bill, which has passed the House and is pending in the Senate. Significant further amendments are expected.
Connecticut – HB 5264 seeks to make changes to multiple dog-related statues. AKC opposes HB 5264 because sections 4 and 5 of the bill confuses crimes against persons with property-related or animal cruelty offenses. Connecticut’s criminal laws already distinguish crimes against persons from crimes against property for a reason: they protect fundamentally different interests and carry different moral weight. Treating attacks on animals as “assault” risks diluting the meaning and gravity of assault against humans. Moreover, animal harm is already addressable through specific animal-cruelty laws and, where appropriate, property offenses; inserting “assault of a domestic animal” into the assault framework mixes categories and invites inconsistent charging and plea practices. AKC will issue a legislative alert if the bill moves beyond the Joint Judiciary Committee.
Connecticut – HB 5283 seeks to give Connecticut cities and towns the authority to locally ban pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. AKC opposes HB 5283 because the state already provides a uniform system of licensing and inspecting pet stores. Pet purchasers also benefit from consumer protections that ensure that pets purchased from pet stores are healthy and that provide redress if determined otherwise. The bill has been available for floor action since March 18, 2026.
Connecticut – SB 318 seeks to establish a work group to study ways to improve the funding of the state’s animal population control program. The bill lists those who must be part of the group, which originally included, “a representative of an animal rights organization.” AKC requested this requirement be amended to include a representative of an animal welfare organization. This change was incorporated into joint committee substitute that was approved by the Senate on April 8, 2026.
Delaware – HB 131 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 passed the House on January 20, 2026, and has been assigned to the Senate Health & Social Committee where a hearing was held on March 25, 2026, and the bill remains pending in committee.
Florida – Senate Bill 1004 – As passed, this legislation reflects a significantly narrowed approach compared to earlier versions of HB 1521. The final bill directs the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop and publish a list of voluntary best practices related to animal adoption, breeding, and care. Importantly, the final version removes the creation of a formal regulatory program, instead focusing on voluntary guidance and recommendations for stakeholders. For purposes of the consumer protection law, the bill also increases the sales thresholds to qualify as a pet dealer, to three litters sold per year (from two) or 30 dogs sold per year (from 20). SB 1004 will now be sent to Governor DeSantis for enactment or veto. For more details, background, and information on this bill and HB 1521, view AKC’s Legislative Alert.
Georgia – Senate Bill 590 would establish new regulations for dog breeders in the state by expanding the statutory definition of a “dog breeder” and creating additional requirements for individuals who breed dogs above certain thresholds. The proposal seeks to broaden which breeders fall under state oversight and would impose new standards related to the care, housing, and treatment of dogs kept by those breeders. The legislation also includes provisions that would place limits on the number of dogs that certain breeders may own or maintain, while requiring breeders meeting the statutory definition to comply with specified care standards. AKC and its state federation opposed this bill, which is now in the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, after a March 2 hearing was cancelled. Georgia has officially concluded their 2026 Legislative Session.
Hawaii – SB 3013 prohibits insurance companies in Hawaii from discriminating against dog owners based on breed or appearance in various insurance policies, except when a dog has been declared dangerous by authorities. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC supported this proposal.
Hawaii – SB 2710 establishes comprehensive regulations and penalties for commercial dog breeders, creates an animal abuser registry, criminalizes animal hoarding, and increases penalties for animal cruelty in Hawaii. The heavily amended bill advanced out of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection, but missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC opposed this bill.
Hawaii – HB 1594 requires proof of sterilization for all dogs and cats imported into Hawaii, with exemptions for short stays, medical necessity, and registered breeders, and directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish a breeder registry and related administrative rules. The bill was deferred by the House Agriculture Committee and will not advance this year. AKC opposed this bill.
Hawaii – SB 3012 is the companion bill to HB 1594 and also requires proof of sterilization for all dogs and cats imported into Hawaii, with exemptions for short stays, medical necessity, and registered breeders, and directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish a breeder registry and related administrative rules. The (amended) bill advanced out of the Senate Agriculture and Environment for consideration, but missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC opposed this bill.
Hawaii – HB 2011 prohibits insurers in Hawaii from discriminating against dog owners based on breed or appearance in various insurance policies, except in cases where a dog is officially deemed dangerous, to improve housing access and reduce pet surrenders. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC supported this bill.
Hawaii – SB 3010 allows public officials and, under certain conditions, private citizens in Hawaii to rescue pet animals from unattended vehicles in dangerous temperatures, granting them immunity from liability and establishing procedures for animal care and owner retrieval. The bill has been advanced out of the Senate and awaits consideration from the House. AKC is monitoring this proposal.
Hawaii – SB 3011 requires the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to allow residents of public and state low-income housing to keep pets under reasonable conditions, prohibits breed and size bans, allows refundable pet deposits but not monthly fees, and permits removal of dangerous animals. The bill has been advanced out of the Senate and awaits consideration from the House. AKC supports this proposal.
Illinois – SB 2990 seeks to close a loophole in the definition of “dog dealer”. However, it also adds numerous new requirements for anyone meeting the current definition of “dog breeder”, which is defined as anyone who owns or harbors at least 6 females “capable or reproduction”. The requirements would include specific temperature standards, unfettered access to the outdoors, and specific amounts of floor space and outdoor runs for each dog. AKC opposes these provisions of the bill. It is pending a vote on the Senate floor. A companion bill, HB 4778, will not advance this year.
Illinois – House Bill 3056 states that no one licensed by the state may import a dog under 8 weeks into Illinois. There is an exemption for a pregnant dog or nursing dog and puppies, so long as the nursing dog is not separated from the puppies for the purpose of sale before they reach 8 weeks of age. The bill was approved by the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on April 7.
Kansas – House Bill 2698 authorizes courts to permanently seize animals from owners found guilty of violating county animal care resolutions. If an animal poses a substantial public health, safety, or welfare risk; is likely to be mistreated in the future; or is prohibited by county resolution, the court may remove the animal and dispose of it per county procedures. The bill was heard in the Kansas House Local Government Committee where the bill remains pending. The bill failed when it missed a key deadline on March 29.
Maryland – HB128/SB299 would require each county board of education to allow for the use of therapy dogs in public schools in the county; subject to certain requirements and policies relating to therapy dogs in public schools. HB 128 was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on February 5, 2026, and was held by the committee at crossover. SB 299 was heard in the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee, but was held by the committee at crossover.
Maryland – HB 1551 establishes a regulatory system for dog breeders in Maryland, including mandatory registration, puppy certification, microchipping, and a dedicated fund to support animal shelters and spay/neuter programs, with phased implementation and enforcement provisions. The bill was heard by the House Economic Matters Committee on March 11, 2026. After significant opposition raised by AKC and local clubs, the bill was held by the committee at crossover.
Massachusetts – SB 1458 and HB 2253, opposed by AKC, required persons selling or transferring the offspring of their personally-owned animals to be licensed, inspected and regulated under the state’s authority to oversee pet shops. The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government released a re-drafted bill, HB 4365, which creates a new “personal breeder kennel” municipal license for anyone with three 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 animal control officers. S. 1458 was reported favorably, and further referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, where it remains pending.
Massachusetts – HB 2342 and SB 1459 address provisions regarding dangerous dogs. These include requiring 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 to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, HB 2342 was reported favorably in August 2025, and referred to House Ways and Means. S.1459 was reported favorably and referred to Senate Rules.
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. AKC supports the bill, which was favorably released by Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries and referred to House Ways and Means.
Massachusetts – Banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and guinea pigs in pet shops was originally the subject matter of SB 2720. However, that policy was limited to dogs and cats and made part of a multi-faceted animal bill, SB 3028. As expected, the bill was passed by the Senate on March 19, and has been referred to House Ways and Means.
Minnesota – HF 2627 originally sought to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats. The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee amended the bill to allow those pet shops that sold or offered animals for sale for at least one year would be “grandfathered” if the animal sold or offered for sale is obtained from a state-licensed or USDA-licensed breeder, and the pet shop discloses the breeder’s state or USDA license number on the animal’s display cage or enclosure. The bill is now on second reading in the House.
Missouri – House Bill 2567 would require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. This could include requiring hobbyists to comply with requirements that may not be possible for someone breeding a litter in their private home. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty. AKC GR has issued an alert urging hobbyists in the state to contact the Speaker of the House and their State Representative to ask them to not hold all hobbyists accountable for the actions of one person. The bill has not yet been referred to committee and is unlikely to move forward this session.
Missouri – House Bill 2436 revises laws on the impoundment of animals protecting the due process rights of dog owners, by clarifying procedures for warrants, care, and custody during abuse or neglect cases. The bill restricts premature sterilization or euthanasia before hearings, allows approved third-party care, and outlines bond requirements and owner rights if acquitted. Violations involving unauthorized euthanasia or sterilization carry misdemeanor penalties. The Bill was approved in the Missouri House Agriculture Committee and is awaiting a House floor vote. AKC supports HB 2436. Read more.
Missouri – House Bill 2292 would require social workers dealing with children and vulnerable adults to report any animal cruelty or abuse they observe, with penalties for not reporting. A 90 minute training class will be developed to train them on how to spot animal cruelty. AKC and the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners believe further clarifications are needed to avoid unintended consequences with the measure as currently written. It is pending a vote by the full House of Representatives. Read more.
New Hampshire –HB 1274 would seek to increase dog licensing fees by $.25. The increase would also apply to licenses for dogs owned by residents 65 years of age or older. The bill has passed the House and has been voted ought to pass by the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee.
New Hampshire – HB 1276 sought to allow the owner of a companion animal to recover up to $5,000 in non-economic damages from a person who causes the death of the companion animal through intentional or negligent conduct. After public hearing, the House Judiciary Committee voted HB 1276 inexpedient to legislate.
New Jersey – A.2516 creates a temporary working group within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to develop recommendations for ensuring responsible and ethical purebred animal breeding, with a final report due within one year. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee with no hearing date yet to be scheduled.
New Jersey – A.4207 establishes a licensure and regulatory system for dog trainers in New Jersey, by creating a dedicated board to set standards, enforce ethical practices, and protect animal welfare and consumer interests. The bill has been assigned to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee with no hearing date currently scheduled.
New Jersey – S.419 and S.434 both prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; and repeals “Pet Purchase Protection Act.” S.419 also prohibits certain transactions between animal shelters, pounds, animal rescue organizations, and animal breeders or brokers and contains definitions potentially impacting hobbyists. Both bills have been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee with neither currently scheduled for a hearing.
New Jersey – S.462 and A.3320 is proposed legislation that would require all pet shops, grooming facilities, animal shelters, and pet daycares to install and maintain video monitoring systems. AKC GR is working with the sponsor to ensure that the bill is for commercially operated entities only and would not impact home-based groomers/boarding or grooming that takes place at events. The was a session prefile and has yet to be formally introduced.
New York – Senate Bill 8252/A. 8653 would require all who sell more than 9 puppies a year to be licensed and regulated as commercial pet dealers. AKC and the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State are working in opposition to these bills, which remain pending in their respective Agriculture committees. Read more.
New York – Senate Bill 3026/A. 8551 would ban the practice of debarking unless medically necessary to treat an illness, disease or injury. AKC opposes these bills, which have passed their respective Agriculture committees and are pending votes in the Senate and Assembly. Read more.
Oklahoma – House Bill 3930 updates state law on service, emotional support, and therapy animals. It clarifies definitions, requires sellers and verifiers of emotional support animals to provide written notice that these animals do not have the same legal rights or training as service animals, and sets fines for violations. The bill aims to prevent misrepresentation, enhance consumer transparency, and protect access rights for individuals with disabilities. The bill passed the Oklahoma House and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Servies. AKC is monitoring this bill.
Oklahoma – House Bill 4055, the would expand state regulation of breeders and shelters by revising licensing requirements, creating new fees and fine structures, and allowing grants to certain animal rescue organizations. The bill establishes the Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Shelter Licensing Fund and authorizes forfeiture of animals for violations. AKC opposes this measure and worked with Oklahoma club members and lawmakers to defeat the bill in committee by a vote of 3-4. A similar bill, HB 3393 was also introduced this session. Both bills failed after missing a key crossover deadline.
Oklahoma – House Bill 3391, requires licensed commercial dog breeders to include their license number on advertisements for dogs. HB 3391 has passed the House and was amended by the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee on April 13. AKC GR is monitoring this legislation.
Oklahoma – House Bill 4335 addresses the regulation of retail pet shops and updates existing statutes related to animal shelter operators and commercial pet breeders. The bill explicitly prohibits counties and municipalities from banning or restricting the retail sale of dogs and cats at licensed pet shops, while allowing them to adopt and enforce rules and ordinances concerning the operation of those businesses, provided they comply with the Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Shelter Licensing Act and other applicable state laws. The bill passed the Oklahoma House. The Senate Committee on Local and County Government approved the bill on April 14.
Oregon – HB 4034 updates Oregon law to require licensing, enhanced record-keeping, and oversight of animal rescue entities by the Department of Agriculture, with strengthened enforcement mechanisms and due process protections to improve animal welfare and regulatory compliance. The bill has been signed by the governor. AKC will monitor the bill’s implementation.
Pennsylvania – HB 97 would allow for divorce proceedings to resolve questions regarding custody as it relates to the possession and/or care for a companion animal and recognizes companion animals as property that is different than other types of property. The bill passed the House and is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. AKC GR has had conversation with Senate Judiciary Committee chair to ensure that language is limited to divorce/custody proceedings. It has yet to be scheduled for a Senate hearing.
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 regulated licenses 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 879 would permit the Attorney General to investigate and institute criminal proceedings for a felony offense regarding cruelty to animals if requested by a district attorney, or if the district attorney fails to respond to a request from the Attorney General’s office to prosecute. This would permit the attorney general to assist in or handle the prosecuting of large-scale animal cruelty cases in counties. It passed the House Judiciary Committee on October 27, 2025, but has not been scheduled for a House floor vote. AKC is monitoring this legislation.
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 – HB 1816 1816 would phase out the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in Pennsylvania pet shop-kennels by 2027, instead promoting adoption through humane societies and rescue networks. It also allows for warrantless searches to ensure compliance. The House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities held a hearing on February 24, 2026. No action was taken by the Committee but recommendation to refer to the bill to the House Agriculture Committee was offered by the Committee minority chair. AKC GR submitted written testimony opposing the bill.
Pennsylvania – SB 1190 is a Senate companion bill to HB 1816 which seeks to phases out the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in Pennsylvania pet shop-kennels by 2027, instead promoting adoption through humane societies and rescue networks. It also allows for warrantless searches to ensure compliance. It was referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rurals Affairs Committee with no hearing date scheduled.
South Carolina – S 720, titled the “South Carolina Humane Dog Breeding Act,” would establish a statewide regulatory framework for professional dog breeders. Among many provisions, this comprehensive bill outlines definitions and application requirements; authorizes inspections of breeding facilities, dogs, and breeder records; and sets commercial care standards for licensed breeders, including requirements related to housing conditions, sanitation, space, food and water, and daily care of animals. It also includes consumer protection provisions related to the sale of dogs and creates a mechanism allowing authorities to seize dogs kept in violation of the act. The Department of Agriculture would be authorized to adopt regulations necessary to implement the law. S 720 is currently pending in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. This bill was heard in Committee but was not given time for a vote. AKC GR continues to closely monitor.
Tennessee – SB 1794 sought to establish a centralized registry for dogs deemed dangerous under state or local determinations to track dogs involved in serious incidents and to require additional oversight for ownership and handling. Among other provisions, SB 1794 would have: Created a statewide registry of dogs classified as dangerous, required owners of designated dogs to comply with specific control and containment measures, established reporting requirements for incidents involving registered dogs and allowed for enforcement actions and penalties for noncompliance. Ultimately, lawmakers opted to table the bill, citing the need for further stakeholder engagement and consideration of the policy’s broader implications. Read more.
Utah – HB 87 establishes procedures for the placement of animals involved in criminal abuse cases while they are being adjudicated and contains some amendments recommended by AKC to allow co-owners or other responsible parties to care for animals during an ongoing trial. The bill passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. AKC will monitor implementation of the bill.
Vermont – H.578 seeks to expand definitions and penalties of sexual abuse of animals and to mandate a minimum five-year animal possession ban for cruelty offenders. These are not problematic. However, the bill also seeks to establish new procedures for the seizure, care, and recovery of care costs for animals involved in cruelty investigations. These include the automatic forfeiture of ownership rights in an animal if a defendant fails to make a timely care payment as directed by a court, even if the defendant has not been convicted of cruelty offense. Forfeiture procedures should protect the due process rights of indigent defendants and be designed to eliminate risks of erroneously depriving individuals of their property. H.578 has passed the House and referred to Senate Judiciary.
Virginia – HB 1238 allows the governing body of any locality to regulate or restrict the acquisition, marketing, and sale of animals in a pet shop through a local ordinance. Any ordinance adopted may distinguish between certain types of pet shops and include provisions requiring special licensing, inspections, reporting, or restrictions on the sale of certain animals. The bill passed the House with an amendment that states “The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.” Bill has been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Chesapeake, Natural Resources Committee Companion Animal Subcommittee and was passed over to next session by the full Committee.
Virginia – SB 707 makes it unlawful for any person engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine to perform a surgical devocalization procedure on a dog, except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. The bill was signed by the governor on April 13 and goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Washington – SB 5974 modernizes Washington State law enforcement leadership standards by establishing uniform eligibility, training, and certification requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and town marshals, clarifies the roles and supervision of volunteers and cadets, and enhances transparency and accountability. The bill passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor. AKC will monitor implementation of the bill.
Washington – SB 5833 allows people in Washington to leave pets in unattended, running vehicles for up to 30 minutes to protect them from extreme temperatures, provided certain safety conditions are met. The bill missed legislative deadlines and did not advance this year. AKC supported this bill.
West Virginia – HB 5207 is a comprehensive update to West Virginia’s animal welfare laws by increasing protections for domestic animals, raising penalties for cruelty, establishing new offenses such as unlawful confinement and hoarding, and setting clearer standards for care and enforcement. This bill contains AKC GR suggested language relative to dogs outdoor in extreme weather by having the determination based upon the breed, age, general health of the dog, and its ability to handle the environment. The bill was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and was not heard prior to session adjournment.
West Virginia – HB 5550/SB867 are similar bill that seek to establish stricter and more detailed requirements for outdoor dog shelters in West Virginia, prohibiting prolonged exposure to extreme weather and clarifying what constitutes adequate protection for dogs. HB 5550 was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and SB 867 was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Neither bill was heard prior to session adjournment.