California Pet Parents are Being Shut Out
Why responsible breeders are refusing California and what that means for you
Millions in lost veterinary revenue
Decline in puppy training enrollment
Reduced grooming and retail demand
Jobs at risk across the pet services sector
This is not a temporary dip. It is a policy-driven contraction.
Why Responsible Breeders Are Saying NO to California
These laws do not deter bad actors. They only punish those trying to comply. Puppy mills, backyard breeders, and scammers already operate outside the law. Responsible breeders are the only ones exposed.
Reason #1
One lawsuit can cost more than an entire year of breeding income even if the breeder did nothing wrong.
Reason #2
Paperwork errors can lead to criminal charges and permanent records.
Reason #3
Breeders’ home addresses are published online without redaction.
Responsible breeders cannot absorb
these risks.
This is not an isolated issue. Families and responsible breeders across California are being forced out or shut down.
REAL STORIES FROM CALIFORNIA
Sarah M. | San Diego, CA
Responsible breeders stopped serving California
I spent months researching responsible breeders and waiting for the right puppy for our family. When the new laws took effect, every breeder we trusted stopped selling to California. Not because they were doing anything wrong, but because the legal risk became too high. We were left with scam websites and sketchy sellers online, none of which felt safe.
Michael R. | Sacramento, CA
Compliance still was not enough
We followed every rule. Health testing. Documentation. Transparency. Still, the threat of lawsuits and criminal penalties made it impossible to continue serving California buyers. One paperwork dispute could cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. We made the difficult decision to stop selling into California entirely to protect our business and our family.
David K. | Los Angeles, CA
Families pushed toward unsafe alternatives
After being turned away by responsible breeders, we almost fell for an online puppy scam. The only sellers willing to ship to California were unverified and refused basic health documentation. These laws did not protect us. They removed the safest options and pushed families like ours toward risk.
FREQUENTLTY ASKED QUESTIONS
Adoption is a wonderful option for many families, and we fully support it. However, rescue is not the right fit for everyone. Some families need specific breeds for allergies, service or therapy work, size restrictions, predictable temperament, or compatibility with children or other pets. California’s laws have eliminated the responsible breeder option, forcing families into an unfair choice between rescue or unregulated sellers. Consumer protection should include both ethical adoption and responsible breeding.
Many breeders in other states are refusing California buyers as well. California law applies to sales made to California residents, even if the breeder is located elsewhere. If a breeder ships a puppy to California or sells to a California resident, they are exposed to California’s legal and criminal penalties. Some breeders will still sell, but often at much higher prices to cover risk, or they are larger commercial operations. Most responsible small breeders have chosen not to take that risk.
No. Breeders are not required to sell to any specific state. Refusing to sell to California is a legal and rational business decision based on risk. Breeders are choosing to protect themselves from uninsurable legal exposure, criminal liability for paperwork errors, and personal safety risks. The laws do not force breeders to sell. They simply make selling to California unsafe for those trying to comply.
The laws expose breeders to massive legal fees and criminal penalties even for minor paperwork disputes. Many Scammers and unregulated sellers often share common red flags. Be cautious if a seller offers prices far below market value, only accepts untraceable payment methods, refuses video calls or facility tours, sells multiple breeds at once, always has puppies available, pressures you to act quickly, or meets in parking lots or neutral locations. Responsible breeders provide health testing documentation, references, written contracts, transparency, and time to decide. Unfortunately, many of those breeders are currently refusing California. have decided the risk is simply too high.
They can be fixed, but only if California lawmakers feel pressure from voters. The proposed amendments do not remove consumer protections. They correct three provisions that are backfiring and driving responsible breeders out. Change requires public action through petitions, constituent outreach, and media attention. If buyers stay silent, the laws will remain unchanged and the underground market will continue growing.
The Underground Market is Growing
When legitimate businesses exit, unregulated sellers fill the gap. These sellers offer no health testing, no guarantees, and no accountability.
350%
INCREASE
In Pet Scams since 2019
Reported complaints surged after California restricted access to responsible breeders, pushing buyers toward unregulated online sellers.
BILLIONS
LOST BY CONSUMERS
nationwide
Pet scams and fraudulent sales now cost families billions each year through fake listings, sick pets, and disappearing sellers.
California
RANKED HIGHEST
state for complaints
California consistently ranks among the highest states for puppy scam reports, driven by limited access to accountable breeders.
Underground
MARKET GROWTH
of unregulated sellers
As responsible breeders exit California, underground sellers fill the gap with no health testing, no guarantees, and no consumer recourse.
Statistics shown are derived from publicly available data and industry analysis and are presented for informational purposes only. Figures are estimates and projections based on historical trends and may vary by source. This site does not provide legal advice.
Sign the Petition
Add your name to demand immediate changes to California’s pet laws.
This petition calls for common sense amendments that protect consumers and animal welfare without criminalizing responsibility.
Share Your Story
Have you been affected by breeder refusals, scams, or loss of access to responsibly bred pets?
Your experience helps lawmakers understand the real-world consequences of these laws.
If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder, this is not a coincidence. California’s laws have made it too risky for ethical breeders to serve you.