New animal-protection laws starting in California in 2026

A handful of new animal welfare laws aimed at protecting pets while strengthening veterinary care statewide will take effect Jan. 1 in California.

San Diego Humane Society said the new laws are the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of advocacy groups.

New California laws aimed to protect animals starting Jan. 1, 2026

The Anti-Declaw Bill
California will make it illegal on January 1st to declaw cats, except when a medical procedure is necessary for cats’ health, and it must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Previously, people have declawed felines to stop cats from ruining furniture and scratching family members. But the supporters of AB 867, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, have said declawing is inhumane as it amputates bones, leading to pain and reducing the animals’ quality of life. 

The following bills were sponsored by the SDHS, the agency said:

Closing The Pet Broker Loophole, AB 519, authored by Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, bans California pet brokers or any entity profiting from the sale of animals bred by a third party from doing business in the state. Eliminating brokers is expected to prevent third-party sellers from marketing puppy mill dogs as locally raised pets, according to the organization.

The Puppy Importation Transparency Act
SB 312, authored by Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, requires dog importers to electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. The certificates identifying breeders and documenting the dog’s health will be made public, giving consumers and law enforcement access to critical information needed to identify unethical breeding and transport practices, SDHS officials said.

Protecting Pets from Predatory Practices
AB 506, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Bennett, D-Oxnard, voids deceptive contracts used by online sellers, including those requiring non-refundable deposits or failing to disclose the animal’s origin prior to purchase. It also mandates sellers refunding buyers within 30 days if a puppy becomes unavailable.

Clarifying Veterinary Staff Duties
AB 516, authored by Assemblyman Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, allows registered veterinary technicians and assistants to perform any medical task not prohibited by law, enabling vets to operate more efficiently and allowing more animals to receive care.

Improving Shelter Veterinary Access
SB 602, sponsored by Sen. Dave Cortese, D-Silicon Valley, permits designated animal shelters to conduct essential veterinary appointments, such as vaccinations and parasite control, without requiring a supervising vet to be onsite. The law is expected to improve access to care for shelter animals, especially in underserved communities where vet resources may be scarce.

“These legislative victories reflect SDHS’s broader commitment to advancing humane, equitable and sustainable solutions for animals and the people who love them,” Gary Weitzman, SDHS president/CEO, said in a statement. “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 SDHS’s advocacy efforts, visit www.sdhumane.org/advocacy.

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