If you live in California and love animals, you’ve probably heard about AB 485—the law that changed how dogs, cats, and rabbits are sold in the state. Whether you’re looking to adopt a new pet in Los Angeles or you’re a breeder wondering how to stay compliant, this law affects you. Here’s a clear breakdown of what AB 485 means and how to navigate it.
What Is AB 485?
AB 485, also known as the Pet Rescue and Adoption Act, went into effect in January 2019. The law bans California pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they come from:
- A public animal shelter, or
- A rescue group that has a cooperative agreement with a shelter.
The goal? To reduce puppy mills and large-scale commercial breeding operations, while encouraging adoption of animals who already need homes.
What Buyers Should Know
If you’re searching for a new pet in California, here’s how AB 485 affects you:
- Pet stores can’t sell mill animals: Any dog, cat, or rabbit you see in a store must legally come from a shelter or rescue.
- Adoption, not retail: Instead of “buying,” you’ll typically pay an adoption fee, which helps cover spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping.
- Transparency matters: By law, stores must display the name of the shelter or rescue organization for each animal.
- Still want a breeder? That’s fine—but you’ll need to go directly to a responsible breeder. Pet stores can no longer be the middlemen.
Tip for buyers: If someone is trying to sell you a puppy in a California pet store, that’s a red flag—it’s not allowed under AB 485.
What Sellers and Breeders Should Know
For pet-related businesses, the law brings new rules—and penalties for ignoring them.
- Pet stores: You can still partner with shelters and rescues to host adoption events. This can actually boost traffic and goodwill.
- Breeders: Direct sales are still allowed, but you must be transparent and follow existing state/local breeder regulations.
- Fines: Stores that break the law face fines of $500 per animal.
- Opportunity: Many breeders are moving toward digital platforms and social media to connect directly with buyers, rather than relying on retail stores.
Tip for sellers: Building trust is more important than ever. Be ready to show health certificates, vet records, and photos of where the animals are raised.
How AB 485 Helps Animals
- Fewer puppy mills: By cutting off the retail channel, large-scale breeders lose one of their main sales pipelines.
- More adoptions: Shelters in California have reported increases in adoption rates since the law went into effect.
- Better animal welfare: Adoption fees often include vet care, so pets start their new life healthier.
Common Misunderstandings About AB 485
“It bans breeders.” — Wrong. It only bans sales through pet stores. Responsible breeders can still sell directly.- “It makes it harder to get a specific breed.” — Not true. You can still find breed-specific rescues or ethical breeders.
- “It only applies to dogs.” — It also applies to cats and rabbits.
Final Thought
California’s AB 485 represents a shift toward a more humane, adoption-focused pet culture. For buyers, it means greater peace of mind when adding a furry (or fluffy) friend to the family. For sellers and breeders, it’s a push toward transparency, ethics, and direct relationships with customers.
Whether you’re adopting a rescue pup in San Diego or connecting with a trusted breeder in San Francisco, the key is the same: know the law, ask questions, and always put animal welfare first.
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