State lawmakers concerned about animal welfare have enacted laws to start the new year. From stricter rules regarding animal cruelty to limits on pet sales and breed discrimination, states enacted new pet laws to protect pets and the owners that love them.
Whether you own a dog, cat, or rabbit, stay informed about your state’s pet‑related wellness and ownership laws.
State Guide to New Pet Ownership Laws in 2026
Alabama
A new law severely restricts the sale of CBD products, such as chewables or tinctures, intended for pet consumption. You may have to stick to catnip.
Alaska
If you are bringing your dog, cat, or ferret into Alaska, you must show a current rabies vaccination and valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, even if you are flying them first class.
Arizona
A law passed in 2025 known as “Jerry’s Law” can make owners liable for animal cruelty if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly fail to provide necessary medical care for their pets to prevent unreasonable suffering. The law also clarifies standards for adequate food, water, and shelter. If your pet is unwell, get them to a veterinarian.
Arkansas
The Cat and Dog Rescue Act, known as “Daisy’s Law” and enacted in 2025, gives law enforcement more power to remove dogs and cats from abusive or neglectful homes.
California
A California law prohibits cat owners from declawing their cats unless there is a valid medical reason for the cat to have its claws removed. Additionally, another law cracks down on puppy mills by prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits under one year old by brokers.
Colorado
In state‑financed affordable housing, landlords must allow tenants to keep at least one pet (such as a cat or dog), subject to reasonable conditions, and ‘pet rent’ is capped at the lesser of a dollar amount (often $35) or 1.5% of monthly rent, with pet deposits refundable.
Connecticut
Insurance companies can’t cancel, refuse to issue, or impose an unreasonable increase in homeowner or tenant insurance policies due to a dog breed, unless it is a dangerous dog breed or there is experience of property loss due to the dangerous dog breed, or actual loss experience. Additionally, the state is evaluating a penalty for owners who misrepresent their dog as a service dog to obtain accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Delaware
Delaware created a public Animal Abuse Offender List in 2025 naming adults convicted of animal abuse crimes and prohibiting them from adopting new animals while on the list.
District of Columbia
For leases starting on October 1, 2026, tenants are not restricted from owning a pet due to their size, breed, or weight. Pet security deposits are capped at 15% of first month’s rent and “pet rent” is capped at 1% of the monthly rent per month. The rent caps take effect a bit sooner than the weight/size restrictions.
Florida
New Florida laws hold pet insurance companies more accountable and must clearly disclose what is covered, the limits, and waiting period for coverage. Policy owners may cancel policies during a 30-day “free look” period. Additionally, under Trooper’s Law, it is a third-degree felony to abandon a pet or leave them chained up outside during a hurricane or natural disaster. Dexter’s Law also creates a statewide animal cruelty database.
Georgia
It is now against the law to sell, buy, or transfer dogs, cats, or domestic rabbits in “transient or outdoor public spaces.” Rehoming should be done at home or licensed shelters or vet offices.
Hawaii
If you live on the Big Island, it is now illegal to feed wild or stray animals on land owned or managed by the county.
Idaho
Starting back in July 2025, animal adoption and rescue fees are not subject to sales tax. There are still sales taxes on leases, pet food, and t-shirts.
Illinois
If you adopt a retired police dog, the state has set up a special fund to provide up to $1,500 per year for veterinary care.
Indiana
Starting in 2025, Indiana pet stores must be registered with the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and they can only get dogs from approved breeders. This new law overturns city bans of dog sales in pet stores.
Iowa - N/A
Kansas
Although there are no new statewide laws, if you live in the city limits of Liberal, Kansas, starting in 2025, you must register for a cat or dog license for pets over 6 months of age.
Kentucky - A bill to allow pet store puppy sales failed in 2025, allowing cities to keep or pass local bans on pet stores selling cats and dogs from commercial breeders.
Louisiana - N/A
Maine - N/A
Maryland
In 2025, Maryland passed the “Pet Policy Transparency Act.” This act directs landlords to post their pet policies regarding number, weight limits, breeds, vaccination requirements, pet deposits, or “pet rent” on their rental websites and rental applications. Additionally, “Buddy’s Law” increases compensation that a pet owner can receive from someone else for the wrongful injury or death of their pet. The cap increases from $10,000 to $25,000.
Massachusetts
Two new laws are fully in force for 2026, one banning declawing cats. You also cannot sell a puppy or kitten under 8 weeks old or sell or transfer dogs or cats at roadsides or outdoor areas.
Michigan - N/A
Minnesota - N/A
Mississippi - N/A
Missouri - N/A
Montana - N/A
Nebraska - N/A
Nevada
In 2025, a law passed prohibiting landlord liability insurance from breed discrimination. Additionally, tenants of state-funded supportive housing may keep at least one pet.
New Hampshire
If you have a dog that repeatedly bites, known as “nuisance dogs,” you may face higher fines.
New Jersey - N/A
New Mexico - N/A
New York
A Companion Animal Care Standards Act raises the standards for rescue and animal shelters with regard to vet care, vaccinations, housing, and inspections.
North Carolina - N/A
North Dakota - N/A
Ohio
Under Avery’s Law, effective March 18, 2026, if a dog seriously injures or kills a person without provocation, a court will hold a hearing and may order its euthanasia.
Oklahoma - N/A
Oregon
To create minimum care standards, Oregon is creating state licensing for pet breeders, sellers, or animal rescue operators.
Pennsylvania - N/A
Rhode Island
Rhode Island enacted the Pet Insurance Act regulating how pet insurance companies disclose their policies regarding preexisting conditions, waiting periods, deductibles, and limits.
South Carolina - N/A
South Dakota - N/A
Tennessee
Starting in 2026, Tennessee imposes a mandatory 40 hours of community service requirement for those convicted of animal cruelty.
Texas
Texas now bans roadside and parking lot sales of dogs and cats.
Utah - N/A
Vermont - N/A
Virginia - N/A
Washington
Washington now requires emergency shelters set up for wildfires, extreme cold or hot temperature, or other disasters to accommodate people with pets.
West Virginia - N/A
Wisconsin - N/A
Wyoming - N/A
Your city or town may have their own specific laws for protecting animals. If you live in a state with no new laws, you must still follow state and city rules for licensing and pet limits, cruelty and neglect rules, and shelter/adoption rules. For example, your jurisdiction may require that you must spay or neuter your pet when adopting from a shelter.
These new animal welfare laws aim to protect pets and their owners making homes and communities safer. Knowing these rules makes you a responsible pet parent. If you have questions or issues with new pet laws, consult a local attorney that handles pet laws.
Related Resources:
- What is Considered Animal Cruelty Under the Law? (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)
- Animal Laws & Rights (FindLaw Resources)
- Dog Laws: Ownership, Adoption, Attacks, and More (FindLaw Learn About the Law)
