California Governor Jerry Brown signed two important animal welfare bills into law during the 2014 legislative session! They are Assembly Bills 1809 and 1810.

A.B. 1809 requires that dogs or puppies brought into the state for the purpose of resale or change of ownership must have a health certificate completed by a licensed veterinarian, done within 10 days prior to the date that the dog arrives in the state. This health certificate would be submitted to the appropriate county health department. According to the ASPCA, this legislation is especially important due to the large growth in online puppy sales. With this documentation, local governments will be better able to manage shelter, spay/neuter, and licensing programs.

A.B. 1810 provides more humane options for animals abandoned at veterinary offices, kennels, groomers, animal hospitals, or other animal care facilities. Previous law stated that the animal care facility, if unable to find a new home for the animal, should euthanize the abandoned animal. Under the amended law, an animal care facility can attempt to find a new home for the animal, or turn the animal over to a shelter, rescue group, or other appropriate humane organization, provided the organization first agrees to take the animal. If the shelter is unable to find a new home, the abandoned animal may then be euthanized.

One additional bill, A.B. 2326, is still in committee. If passed, this bill would allow a tax deduction of up to $100 for costs associated with the adoption of a pet from a qualified animal rescue organization.

Please join us in thanking the animal-friendly California legislators who are doing so much to help our pets!