The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be grandfathered. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HF 2627 and urges all Minnesota residents to contact the members of the committee to request they not approve the bill. (Scroll down for contact information.)
HF 2726 Summary:
- Defines pet shop as a pet dealer that operates a physical retail store from which animals are sold or offered for sale to the general public, whether through an appointment or otherwise.
- Prohibits pet shops from selling, offering to sell, barter, auction, or otherwise transfer ownership of an animal. However, (as permitted under current law) pet shops would be explicitly allowed to showcase animals on behalf of a non-profit shelter or rescue. Those shelters or rescues would not be required to work with existing pet stores.
- Would bar pet shops from having an ownership interest in an animal offered for adoption or receiving a fee for providing space for animal adoption.
- Grandfathers those pet shops that sold or offered for sale an animal from its physical premises for at least one year before the bill would become law, and under the same ownership as of the effective date, may continue to operate as a pet shop and engage in the sale of animals if (1) animals sold or offered for sale are obtained only from USDA- or state-licensed breeders, and (2) the pet shop discloses the USDA or state license number for the animal’s breeder in advertisements to sell a specific animal.
- Allows counties, cities, towns, or townships to enact and enforce stricter regulations, including prohibitions on selling animals by pet dealers.
Why AKC Opposes HF 2726:
AKC emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet and actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible ownership, and have access to a pet that is right for them. AKC strongly opposes any measure that restricts choice by compelling people and/or retailers to obtain pets solely from shelter or rescue distributors.
HF 2726 would effectively eliminate puppies that have the greatest health substantiation for sale to the public, and replace them with dogs of unknown breed, health, and behavioral backgrounds. AKC believes that great pets come from a variety of sources, including from hobby breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, and rescues. Minnesota pet purchasers should continue to enjoy the freedom to purchase a pet of their choice from the source of their choice.
Click here to learn more about Pet Choice and Pet Store Restrictions.
What You Can Do:
Concerned Minnesota residents are strongly encouraged to contact the members of the House Commerce Finance Policy Committee to express their opposition to HF 2726 and to urge the committee to not approve the bill as introduced.
(Please note that to be considered prior to the hearing, comments must be received by Noon today, Monday, March 9, 2026. Those provided after Noon today may be shared with committee members after the scheduled hearing.)
Rep. Erin Koegel, Co-Chair (Dist. 39A) – rep.erin.koegel@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-5369
Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, Co-Chair (Dist. 13B) – rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-7808
Rep. Steve Elkins, Co-Vice Chair (Dist. 50B) – rep.steve.elkins@house.mn.gov,
(651) 296-7803
Rep Bernie Perryman, Co-Vice Chair (Dist. 14A) – rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-6316
Rep. Keith Allen (Dist. 19A) – rep.keith.allen@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-8237
Rep. Shelley Buck (Dist. 47A) – rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-7807
Rep. Ethan Cha (Dist. 47B) – rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-1147
Rep. Greg Davids (Dist. 26B) – rep.greg.davids@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-9278
Rep. Jeff Dotseth (Dist. 11A) – rep.jeff.dotseth@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4308
Rep. Alex Falconer (Dist. 49A) – rep.alex.falconer@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-3964
Rep. Leigh Finke (Dist. 66A) – rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-3824
Rep. Jessica Hanson (Dist. 55A) – rep.jessica.hanson@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4212
Rep. Josh Heintzeman (Dist. 6B) – rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4333
Rep. John Huot (Dist. 56B) – rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4306
Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (Dist. 49B) – rep.carlie.kotyza-witthuhn@house.mn.gov,
(651) 296-7449
Rep. Ron Kresha (Dist. 10A) – rep.ron.kresha@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4247
Rep. Max Rymer (Dist. 28B) – rep.max.rymer@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-5377
Rep. Andy Smith (Rep. 25B) – rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-9249
Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen (Dist. 16A) – rep.scott.vanbinsbergen@house.mn.gov,
(651) 296-4344
Rep. Nolan West (Dist. 32A) – rep.nolan.west@house.mn.gov, (651) 296-4226
Please also include Samuel.ONeill@house.mn.gov and Ben.Frese@house.mn.gov on communications to committee members.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org