Did you know that a handful of new pet-related laws went into effect at the start of 2026? This legislation represents stronger protections for animals AND pet guardians in the state of California, while also increasing the availability of veterinary care for pets in need.
Miguel Abi-hassan, Joybound’s Chief Program Officer, said “We are looking forward to the enhanced clarification this legislative session has brought to animal welfare. Specifically, the efficiency brought about by AB 516 and SB 602, which will allow local nonprofits to meet veterinary needs in more cost-effective ways.” Our friends at San Francisco SPCA were integral in getting many of these pieces of legislature passed, co-sponsoring AB 516 and SB 602 alongside San Diego Humane Society and the California Veterinary Medical Association.
The new laws include:
- AB 867 – Bans the declawing of cats when not medically necessary
- SB 221 – Strengthens punishments for threats towards emotional support animals, service animals, and pets
- AB 516 / SB 602 – Allows registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to perform certain services under veterinary supervision
- AB 478 – Protects shelter animals from euthanasia during disaster situations
- AB 519 – Prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by third-party brokers
- AB 506 – Requires pet sellers to disclose medical information and bans non-refundable deposits
- SB 312 – Requires imported dogs to submit health information in a timely manner
Here in Contra Costa County, County Supervisor Ken Carlson has supported local animal-welfare efforts by helping allocate $750,000 toward spay/neuter clinics, vaccinations, microchipping, and pet-retention programs. While he has not authored state-level pet legislation, his work reflects a commitment to strengthening community-based resources that help pets stay healthy and families stay together.
Read more about what to expect from these new California laws in the ABC7 article below:
California legislative ban on cat declawing, crackdown on puppy mills set to take effect in 2026
By John Gregory
Several new California laws that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, are aimed at protecting pets, including banning cat declawing and cracking down on puppy mills.
In early October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 867, which bans the practice of declawing cats when not medically necessary. Many other countries also ban the practice, which can lead to pain, infection, and behavioral changes. “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 pet broker ban aims to close down puppy mills and promote adoption. AB 519 prohibits the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by third-party sellers. The pet sales regulations law will give pet buyers new protections. AB 506, authored by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), aims to hold pet sellers accountable, requiring them to disclose the pet’s origin and health information… (Read more)
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