> At a Glance
> – California outlaws cat declawing starting January 1, 2026, except for medical necessity
> – Six new laws crack down on puppy-mill pipelines and expand vet care access
> – Fines and refunds now protect pet buyers from predatory online sellers
> – Why it matters: Pet owners, shelters, and vets face stricter rules-and safer animals-statewide
California is tightening the leash on animal exploitation. Six bills backed by the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) take effect January 1, 2026, reshaping how pets are sold, treated, and cared for across the state.
Declawing Becomes a Crime
AB 867, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, makes non-therapeutic cat declawing illegal. Vets can only perform the procedure for documented medical reasons; violations carry penalties under the state’s veterinary regulations.
Supporters call declawing an amputation that causes lifelong pain and behavioral issues. The law positions California among the first states to ban the practice outright.
Puppy-Mill Pipeline Cut Off
Three bills target underground breeders and middlemen:
- AB 519 (Berman) bans pet brokers-businesses that profit from reselling animals bred elsewhere-closing a loophole that let puppy-mill dogs slip into retail channels.
- SB 312 (Umberg) forces dog importers to upload health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days, creating a public paper trail of breeder identity and animal health.
- AB 506 (Bennett) voids contracts that hide a pet’s origin or demand non-refundable deposits; sellers must refund buyers within 30 days if the puppy becomes unavailable.
Vet Teams Get Room to Work
Shelters and clinics gain flexibility under two companion measures:
- AB 516 (Kalra) lets registered vet techs and assistants perform any task not explicitly prohibited, freeing veterinarians to treat more animals.
- SB 602 (Cortese) allows designated shelters to give vaccines and parasite control without an on-site veterinarian, expanding care in underserved areas.
| Law | Focus | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| AB 867 | Ban cat declawing | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 519 | End pet-broker sales | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 312 | Import health transparency | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 506 | Buyer refunds | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 516 | Vet staff scope | Jan 1, 2026 |
| SB 602 | Shelter vet access | Jan 1, 2026 |
Gary Weitzman, SDHS president/CEO, said the package tackles “two of the most urgent challenges in animal welfare today: shutting down exploitative puppy-mill pipelines and expanding access to veterinary care.”
Key Takeaways
- Declawing cats for convenience is now a punishable offense statewide.
- Pet brokers can no longer operate in California; imported dogs must have public health records.
- Online sellers must disclose animal origins and offer refunds within 30 days.
- Vet teams and shelters can deliver faster, broader care under relaxed supervision rules.
Starting New Year’s Day, California pets-and the people who protect them-operate under some of the strictest anti-cruelty and pro-care standards in the nation.
