Five New Animal Welfare Laws Sponsored by San Diego Humane Society Take Effect Jan. 1, 2026

SAN DIEGO — Five key animal welfare bills sponsored bySan Diego Humane Society will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, marking a significant step forward in protecting animals and strengthening veterinary care across California.

The legislation represents a successful advocacy year in Sacramento, where San Diego Humane Society joined fellow leaders in the field — including San Francisco SPCA, Valley Humane Society, CalAnimals, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane World for Animals and the Michelson Center — at Animal Advocacy Day 2025. Together the coalition urged lawmakers to adopt measures that increase transparency in the puppy market, prevent predatory sales practices and expand access to essential veterinary care.

Cracking Down on Puppy Mills and Predatory Pet Sales

Three laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, were crafted in response to the L.A. Times extensive investigation into the nation’s multibillion-dollar pet industry, exposing widespread fraud, deceptive practices and inhumane conditions tied to out-of-state mass breeders. Thees bills close regulatory gaps that previously allowed “pet brokers” and other third-party sellers to market puppy mill dogs as locally raised pets.

Closing the Pet Broker Loophole (AB 519)

Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto)

AB 519 bans pet brokers in California. Under the new law, any entity that profits from the sale of animals bred by another party is prohibited from doing business in the state. Eliminating brokers prevents third-party sellers from exploiting loopholes that have enabled inhumane breeders to continue profiting off of unsuspecting CA consumers.

Puppy Importation Transparency Act (SB 312)

Authored by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana)

SB 312 requires dog importers to electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. The certificates, which identify the breeder and document the dog’s health, will be made publicly available. The law gives consumers and law enforcement access to critical information needed to identify unethical breeding and transport practices.

Protecting Pets from Predatory Practices (AB 506)

Authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard)

AB 506 voids deceptive contracts used by online sellers, including those requiring nonrefundable deposits or failing to disclose the animal’s origin prior to purchase. It also mandates that sellers refund buyers within 30 days if a puppy becomes unavailable. The bill strengthens consumer protections and prevents unscrupulous sellers from profiting off families seeking a companion animals.

Increasing Access to Veterinary Care

The remaining two laws address California’s critical shortage of veterinary professionals. By expanding the duties of trained staff and providing more flexibility within shelter settings, these measures will help more animals receive timely, essential care.

Clarifying Veterinary Staff Duties (AB 516)

Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose)

AB 516 allows Registered Veterinary Technicians and veterinary assistants to perform any medical task not expressly prohibited by law. By maximizing the skill set of veterinary staff, AB 516 enables veterinarians to operate more efficiently, allowing more animals to receive care.

Improving Shelter Veterinary Access (SB 602)

Authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley)

SB 602 permits RVTs in designated animal shelters to conduct essential veterinary appointments, such as vaccinations and parasite control, without requiring a supervising veterinarian to be onsite. The law is expected to significantly improve access to care for shelter animals, particularly in underserved communities where veterinary resources are limited.

These legislative victories reflect San Diego Humane Society’s broader commitment to advancing humane, equitable and sustainable solutions for animals and the people who love them. “Our advocacy work is a vital part of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of animals across California,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of 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.”

For more information on San Diego Humane Society’s advocacy efforts, visit sdhumane.org/advocacy.