Impact of California’s New Pet Laws
AB 506, AB 519, and SB 312 changed and why many responsible breeders and industry professionals report increased legal risk and compliance barriers in California
Effective January 1, 2026, three California laws took effect that significantly changed the regulatory landscape for selling a puppy to a California resident.
Assembly Bills 506 and 519, along with Senate Bill 312, were introduced as consumer protection measures. In practice, many breeders and pet industry professionals report increased compliance complexity, heightened legal exposure, and expanded disclosure requirements tied to administrative and documentation standards.
This page explains what each law does, how California’s approach differs from other states, and why targeted amendments are being proposed to improve clarity and balance while preserving important consumer and animal welfare protections.
LEGISLATION AFFECTING CALIFORNIA PET SALES
These laws introduced new enforcement, disclosure, and liability standards that apply to pet sales involving California residents.
AB 506
Attorney Fee Provisions
AB 506 introduced a one-way attorney fee provision allowing buyers to recover legal fees if they prevail in certain disputes involving pet purchases.The statute does not provide a corresponding mechanism for breeders to recover legal fees, even when they prevail, which breeders report increases litigation risk.
SB 312
Health Certificate Requirements
SB 312 expanded health certificate requirements and classified certain violations as misdemeanors. It also designated health certificates as public records, subject to disclosure under state law. These provisions apply regardless of whether a violation resulted in harm to the buyer or the animal.
AB 519
Expanded Enforcement Authority
AB 519 expanded enforcement authority related to pet sales, including the ability for the Attorney General to bring actions for certain violations. This authority exists independently of private civil lawsuits.
How California Differs From Other States
Advocates argue that California’s approach departs from common enforcement and fee-shifting practices used in other states, particularly when it comes to proportional penalties and privacy protections.
California
Attorney Fees
Buyer recovers fees only
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Documentation Errors
Misdemeanor classification for certain documentation violations
Privacy Protection
Home addresses published without redaction
Insurance Availability
Often unavailable due to one-way fees and criminal exposure
Market Outcome
Responsible breeders exit and underground market expands
Other States
Attorney Fees
Prevailing party recovers fees
Balances risk and deters abuse
Documentation Errors
Civil fine, warnings, or license suspension
Privacy Protection
Personal identifying information protected
Insurance Availability
Common and affordable
Market Outcome
Legitimate market remains viable
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
These proposed amendments are intended to preserve consumer and animal welfare protections while restoring proportional enforcement and clarity for responsible breeders and pet seekers.
In short: When laws fail to distinguish bad actors from responsible breeders, enforcement risk increases for good-faith sellers, consumer options shrink, and unregulated markets become more attractive.
Market Outcome
-
Responsible breeders exit
-
Underground market expands
Market Outcome
-
Legitimate market remains viable
Insurance Availability
-
Common and affordable
Insurance Availability
-
Often unavailable due to one-way fees and criminal exposure
Privacy Protection
-
Personal identifying information protected
Privacy Protection
-
Home addresses published without redaction
Documentation Errors
-
Misdemeanor criminal charges
Documentation Errors
-
Civil fine warnings or license suspension
Attorney Fees
-
Prevailing party recovers fees
-
Balances risk and deters
Attorney Fees
-
Prevailing party recovers fees
-
Balances risk and deters
California
Other States
How California Differs From Other States
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
California
Other States
How California Differs From Every Other Major State
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
Attorney Fees
-
Buyer recovers fees only
-
Breeder recovers nothing even when winning
California
Other States
How California Differs From Every Other Major State
Amendment 1:
AB 506 Attorney Fees
Current Language
In any action under this section, the prevailing plaintiff shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Proposed Amendment
In any action under this section, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Why This Fix Works
Preserves consumer protection
Deters frivolous lawsuits
Aligns California with national standards
Restores insurability
Amendment 1:
AB 506 Attorney Fees
Current Language
Health certificates are public records subject to disclosure without redaction.
Proposed Amendment Option A
Health certificates shall be confidential and exempt from public disclosure except to buyers, regulators, law enforcement, and public health officials.
Proposed Amendment Option B
Health certificates are public records with personal identifying information redacted before release.
Why This Fix Works
Buyers still receive full documentation
Regulators retain enforcement access
Safety risks are eliminated
Amendment 3:
SB 312 Penalties
Current Enforcement
All violations are classified as misdemeanors.
Proposed Tiered Enforcement
First violation: written warning and correction period
Second violation: administrative fine
Third violation: license suspension
Criminal penalties are reserved for fraud, abuse or intentional misconduct
Why This Fix Works
Encourages compliance
Preserves criminal enforcement for serious harm
Matches enforcement models used nationwide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. All disclosures, health certificates, and rights to sue remain intact. The amendments only correct the imbalance and disproportional penalties.
Enforcement does not affect operators who already ignore the law. It only increases pressure on those attempting to comply.
In most cases no. One way attorney fees and criminal exposure are not insurable.
It ensures both sides bear risk. This discourages abuse and encourages fair settlement.
Yes. Most states already use these standards without compromising consumer protection.
No. Puppy mills already operate illegally. These changes only help compliance oriented breeders remain in the legal market.