New ‘age’ law bans sale or adoption of dogs and cats under 1-year-old...
PET shoppers will soon face a hard new rule that makes it illegal to buy a puppy or kitten younger than 1 year old.
The “age” ban blocks pet brokers from selling or even offering certain young animals for adoption.
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The change is part of a wider sweep of animal-protection laws in California.
Most of the new rules kick in on January 1, 2026.
Under AB 519, pet brokers will be barred from selling or offering dogs, cats, or rabbits for adoption if they are under one year of age.
Supporters say the move is meant to curb shady sales and steer people away from high-volume breeding operations, ABC affiliate KABC reported.
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The “age” law is rolling out alongside fresh restrictions on cat declawing and tighter oversight for pet sellers.
In early October, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 867, which bans declawing when it isn’t medically necessary.
The procedure, which removes a cat’s toe bone, would only be allowed for medical reasons like an infection, disease, or injury.
AB 867 also adds new paperwork requirements for veterinarians when declawing is performed.
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“And so if it has to be done, the veterinarians are now required to document why, the reasons and their procedures and any alternatives that failed, perhaps,” said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.
The declawing ban follows warnings that the practice can lead to pain, infection, and behavioral changes.
New law in the US could open up thousands of homes for pets left out in the cold & keep cruel landlords at bay
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Another major pet-sales law, AB 506, targets what backers call puppy mill pipelines.
Authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett, it requires pet sellers to disclose a pet’s health history and origin for dogs, cats, and rabbits.
The law also bans purchase contracts that include non-refundable deposits.
The governor’s office said those deposits “which all too often result in a bait-and-switch by committing hopeful pet parents to unhealthy pets – and feeds the puppy mill industry.”
California's Animal Protection Law
Cat declaw ban (AB 867): Declawing is banned unless medically necessary for the cat’s health (examples listed: disease or traumatic injury).
Pet broker ban (AB 519): Third-party “brokers” can’t sell dogs, cats, or rabbits — pet sales must come directly from breeders or from shelters, humane societies, or rescue groups.
Pet sales regulations (AB 506): Voids contracts for dogs under 1 year, cats, and rabbits if the seller requires a non-refundable deposit or doesn’t disclose the original source of the dog/cat before the deposit.
AB 506 refund rule: If a contract is voided, sellers must return the buyer’s money within 30 days, aimed at stopping “bait-and-switch” tactics.
Pet sales documentation transparency (SB 312): Dog importers must submit health certificates electronically to the California Department of Food & Agriculture within 10 days of shipment.
Stalking definition expansion (SB 221): Expands stalking to include threats to a person’s pet, including service animals, emotional support animals, and horses.
FOUND Act (AB 478): Requires local governments to have clear procedures to protect companion animals and support pet owners during and after evacuations.
Separate legislation, SB 312, adds new rules for dog imports.
It requires dog importers to submit health certificates electronically to the California Department of Food & Agriculture within 10 days of shipment.
Beyond sales, lawmakers also expanded protections tied to stalking cases.
SB 221 increases protection from stalkers by expanding protections for pets and emotional-support animals.
Emergency planning for animals is also getting a reset under the FOUND Act.
The FOUND Act requires local governments to establish protocols for pet rescues during evacuations.
Another measure, AB 478, will protect animals from euthanasia for 30 days.
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Lawmakers also moved to ease pressure on veterinary clinics as demand spikes.
AB 516 allows registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants to perform some services under a vet’s supervision.