by San Diego, California — A sweeping set of new animal-protection laws will take effect across California on Jan. 1, 2026, bringing tighter rules for pet sales, stronger safeguards against unethical breeding, and expanded access to veterinary care statewide. The changes were announced Monday by the San Diego Humane Society, which said the measures are the result of coordinated lobbying by a coalition of animal-welfare advocates.
Altogether, five new laws aim to protect pets while modernizing how veterinary services are delivered—particularly in shelters and underserved communities.
Why California is updating its animal-protection laws
Advocates say the new measures address long-standing gaps that allowed puppy mills, predatory online sales, and limited access to veterinary care to persist despite prior reforms. By targeting brokers, increasing transparency around imported animals, and loosening outdated restrictions on veterinary staff, the laws are designed to protect consumers and animals alike.
According to the San Diego Humane Society, the changes reflect a broader push to create humane, equitable, and sustainable solutions for animals across the state.
Closing the Pet Broker Loophole (AB 519)
Authored by Assemblyman Marc Berman, AB 519 bans California pet brokers—or any entity profiting from the sale of animals bred by a third party—from doing business in the state.
Animal advocates say brokers have long enabled third-party sellers to market puppy-mill animals as locally raised pets, misleading consumers and fueling unethical breeding practices. By eliminating brokers from the supply chain, the law is expected to significantly reduce the flow of puppy-mill animals into California.
Key impact: Pet brokers are banned statewide, closing a loophole that allowed unethical sellers to operate behind the scenes.
Puppy Importation Transparency Act (SB 312)
Sponsored by Sen. Tom Umberg, SB 312 introduces new transparency requirements for dogs imported into California.
Under the law, dog importers must electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. These certificates—identifying breeders and documenting each dog’s health—will be made public.
Advocates say the public database will give consumers, animal-control officers, and law enforcement access to critical information needed to identify unethical breeding and transport practices.
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Key impact: Public access to breeder and health records for imported dogs, increasing accountability.
Protecting Pets from Predatory Practices (AB 506)
Online pet sales have surged in recent years, often accompanied by deceptive contracts that leave buyers with little recourse. AB 506, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Bennett, targets those practices directly.
The law voids deceptive contracts used by online sellers, including agreements that require non-refundable deposits or fail to disclose an animal’s origin before purchase. It also requires sellers to refund buyers within 30 days if a puppy becomes unavailable.
Key impact: Stronger consumer protections for Californians purchasing pets online.
Clarifying Veterinary Staff Duties (AB 516)
Authored by Assemblyman Ash Kalra, AB 516 updates California’s veterinary practice rules to better reflect modern care models.
The law allows registered veterinary technicians and assistants to perform any medical task not explicitly prohibited by law, reducing administrative bottlenecks and helping clinics operate more efficiently. Supporters say this change will allow veterinarians to focus on complex cases while expanding overall access to care.
Key impact: More efficient veterinary clinics and increased capacity to treat animals statewide.
Improving Shelter Veterinary Access (SB 602)
Sponsored by Sen. Dave Cortese, SB 602 focuses on animal shelters—particularly those in areas with limited veterinary resources.
The law allows designated shelters to conduct essential veterinary services, such as vaccinations and parasite control, without a supervising veterinarian physically onsite. Officials say this flexibility will dramatically improve access to routine care for shelter animals, especially in underserved communities.
Key impact: Faster, broader access to basic veterinary care for shelter animals.
What animal advocates are saying
San Diego Humane Society leaders say the new laws address two of the most pressing challenges in animal welfare today: unethical breeding and limited veterinary access.
“These legislative victories reflect SDHS’s broader commitment to advancing humane, equitable and sustainable solutions for animals and the people who love them,” said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “By shutting down exploitative puppy-mill pipelines and expanding access to veterinary care, we are addressing two of the most urgent challenges in animal welfare today.”
What this means for pet owners and shelters
For pet owners, the changes mean greater transparency, stronger consumer protections, and a reduced risk of unknowingly supporting unethical breeders. For shelters and clinics, the laws are expected to expand capacity, reduce wait times, and improve outcomes for animals in care.
All five laws are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, giving agencies, shelters, and businesses time to prepare for compliance.
As California moves toward these reforms, advocates say the state is positioning itself as a national leader in animal welfare policy.
Do you think these new laws will make a real difference for pets and pet owners in California? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
