Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee voted to advance the Senate Farm Bill, The Agricultural Act of 2026, to the Full Senate for passage. This measure accompanies and shares important positive priorities with the recently-passed House Farm Bill (H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The bill reauthorizes key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs through 2031, and serves as an important vehicle to address federal priorities in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
The American Kennel Club Executive Secretary & VP Government Relations Sheila Goffe commented, “ We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Chairman John Boozman and the professional staff of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. After many years without a farm bill, they have demonstrated exceptional care and bi-partisan efforts in shepherding a bill that not only supports crucial U.S. agricultural programs, but also supports important priorities that advance pet and public health and protect responsible dog owners.
AKC is also grateful to committee and staff leadership in avoiding extreme ‘feel-good’ proposals that could restrict or undermine responsible, science-based dog care and training practices.”
Dog-related highlights of the bill’s base text include:
- Expands USDA’s electronic health documentation requirements for pets entering the United States to protect pet and public health. This reflects language in the Healthy Dog Importation Act (H.R. 3349/ S 1725) by requiring electronic records documentation on dogs prior to their importation that confirms the dog is in good health; microchipped; has received all necessary vaccination and parasite treatments, demonstrated negative test results, and has a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian; and in the case of a dog intended for transfer, is at least 6 months old. Exceptions are provided for dogs that are personal pets of United States origin returning to the United States; United States military working dogs; for research purposes; and coming to the United States solely for veterinary treatment; among several others. This measure provides an alternative to the current CDC blanket prohibition, which bans the import of all puppies under the age of six months. The Healthy Dog Importation Act would allow for the import of personally-owned puppies younger than six months that meet the above health and reporting requirements.
- Protecting Animals with Shelter. Reauthorizes funding for transitional shelters that allow victims of domestic violence to seek safety without leaving their pets behind.
- National Detector Dog Training Center. Authorizes the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center to establish additional training facilities to prepare specially selected dogs and their handlers to detect invasive pests and diseases that threaten American agriculture.
AKC urges the Senate to pass the Agricultural Act of 2026 quickly and without amendment to title 12, which advances important canine, pet and public health priorities.