What’s New in California’s 2026 Dog Breeder Laws?
Three key laws are reshaping the landscape for breeders:
AB 506 — Prohibits nonrefundable deposits in pet sale contracts with California buyers.
SB 312 — Mandates advance submission of health certificates for dogs entering California.
AB 519 — Restricts third-party “pet broker” sales models.
Each law is designed to enhance consumer protection and transparency, but they also introduce operational challenges for breeders. Let’s break them down.
AB 506: Nonrefundable Deposits Are No Longer Allowed
What This Means
Starting January 1, 2026:
Any contract requiring a nonrefundable deposit for a dog sold to a California buyer is void.
If a breeder collects a nonrefundable deposit, the buyer is entitled to:
A full refund, and
In some cases, the puppy itself.
This applies to all breeders, regardless of location.
Why This Matters
Nonrefundable deposits have long been a tool for ethical breeders to:
Filter serious buyers.
Offset costs associated with holding puppies.
Plan litters responsibly.
California’s new law shifts the financial risk entirely onto breeders, requiring a rethinking of these practices.
How Stokeshire Has Adapted
To comply with AB 506, we’ve made the following changes:
All deposits for California buyers are now fully refundable.
We separate application fees (for time and evaluation) from purchase deposits.
We’ve implemented waitlist structures, clear timelines, and transparent policies to manage buyer commitment without punitive measures.
Guidance for Breeders
If you sell to California buyers:
Audit your contracts immediately. Remove any mention of “nonrefundable” deposits.
Distinguish fees clearly. Separate application fees for services rendered from purchase deposits.
Communicate transparently. Set clear expectations with buyers to avoid misunderstandings.
SB 312: Health Certificates Must Be Submitted Before Entry
What Changed
California now requires that any dog transported into the state for sale or transfer must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) that is:
Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days prior to entry.
Submitted electronically to the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA).
Provided to the buyer.
While health certificates have always been required for interstate transport, the new law adds a submission requirement and tightens the timing.
The Real-World Challenge
Most CVIs are valid for only 10 days, creating logistical hurdles:
Breeders must coordinate vet exams and transport schedules with precision.
Delays may require additional vet visits, increasing costs and administrative burdens.
These challenges have led some breeders to stop selling to California altogether.
How Stokeshire Handles It
For California-bound puppies, we’ve developed a streamlined process:
Plan transport first. We schedule vet exams backward from the transport date to ensure compliance.
Leverage technology. We use electronic CVI systems whenever possible.
Build in buffer time. Our pickup and delivery plans account for potential delays.
Guidance for Breeders
If you ship or deliver puppies to California:
Confirm your veterinarian can issue electronic CVIs.
Ensure CVIs are submitted to the CDFA before transport.
Keep detailed records of all documentation and submissions.
AB 519: Restrictions on Pet Broker Models
What This Law Targets
California has placed restrictions on third-party “pet broker” models, including:
Websites or services that sell puppies bred by others.
Platforms that obscure breeder identity.
Sales pipelines that distance buyers from the breeder of origin.
Why This Matters
The goal is to:
Reduce large-scale commercial breeding operations.
Increase traceability and accountability.
Ensure buyers know who bred the dog and where it came from.
What Ethical Breeders Should Do
Sell directly to buyers. Avoid third-party platforms that act as intermediaries.
Disclose openly. Share breeder identity, state of origin, and health history with buyers.
Maintain traceable records. Transparency builds trust and ensures compliance.
At Stokeshire, we’ve always prioritized direct sales, open disclosure, and meticulous record-keeping — practices that naturally align with AB 519.
Compliance Checklist for Breeders
If you breed in California or sell to California buyers, here’s your to-do list:
✔ Review and update contracts. Remove nonrefundable deposit language.
✔ Separate fees. Clearly distinguish application fees from purchase funds.
✔ Build a CVI workflow. Coordinate vet exams and transport timing carefully.
✔ Sell directly. Avoid third-party platforms and disclose breeder identity.
✔ Document everything. Retain records for every transaction.
A Note from Stokeshire
We understand the intent behind these laws: to protect consumers and promote transparency. However, we also recognize the challenges they pose for responsible breeders.
Our philosophy is simple:
Ethical breeding should never rely on loopholes.
Transparency builds trust.
Thoughtful planning and communication are more important than ever.
For California families, these laws mean greater protection. For breeders, they require adaptation or a decision to exit the market. At Stokeshire, we’ve chosen to adapt — and to share what we’ve learned so others can make informed decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Breeders should consult legal counsel or regulatory authorities for guidance specific to their operations.
Stokeshire • Official References
California SB 312 & Dog CVI Requirements (Official Sources)
For California-bound puppies (sale/transfer of ownership), these are the primary state pages where buyers and transport teams can verify current submission rules and documentation requirements.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Submitting Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) for Dogs.” https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/dog-cvi/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
- State of California. “Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for Importing Dogs.” https://www.ca.gov/cvi/. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Animal Importation Frequently Asked Questions.” https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/FAQS.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Information About Livestock & Pet Movement (Entry Requirements).” https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/Entry_Requirements.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
- California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) Requirements” (PDF). https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/CVIRequirements.pdf. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.