Beginning January 1, 2026, three new California laws significantly impact how dogs may be sold to California buyers — whether the breeder is located in-state or out-of-state.

• AB 506 eliminates nonrefundable deposits in pet sale contracts, shifting financial risk entirely to the breeder.

• SB 312 requires health certificates to be issued and submitted to the state before a dog enters California, adding stricter timing and documentation requirements.

• AB 519 restricts third-party “pet broker” sales models, reinforcing direct breeder-to-buyer transparency.

Together, these laws aim to strengthen consumer protection and traceability — but they also introduce real operational challenges for ethical breeders. At Stokeshire, we’ve adapted our contracts, timelines, and processes to remain compliant while continuing to serve California families. Below, we break down what each law means in practice and how breeders can adjust responsibly.

Free Download: California Dog Breeder Compliance Checklist (2026)

California’s 2026 pet-sale laws introduced meaningful changes for dog breeders — including new rules around deposits, health certificates, and how puppies are sold to California residents. Whether you’re a California-based breeder or an out-of-state program working with California families, staying compliant now requires more than good intentions.

We created a clear, practical compliance checklist based on how we’ve adapted our own program at Stokeshire. It’s designed to help ethical breeders review contracts, plan transport correctly, and avoid common pitfalls — without fear-driven messaging or unnecessary complexity.