Five new California animal welfare laws sponsored by San Diego Humane Society went into effect Jan. 1, strengthening protections against puppy mills, cracking down on deceptive pet sales, and expanding access to veterinary care across the state.
The legislation caps a successful year of advocacy for San Diego Humane Society and a broad coalition of animal welfare organizations that worked together during Animal Advocacy Day 2025 in Sacramento.
Partners included San Francisco SPCA, Valley Humane Society, CalAnimals, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane World for Animals and the Michelson Center.
While all five laws are expected to improve animal welfare, San Diego Humane Society officials said two measures aimed at expanding veterinary care will have the most immediate impact.
“SB 602 and AB 516 will increase access to care right away,” said Nina Thompson, director of public relations for San Diego Humane Society. “By allowing registered veterinary technicians in designated shelters to handle essential appointments like vaccines and parasite control without a veterinarian physically onsite, we can reach more animals, faster.”
California is facing a severe shortage of veterinarians, particularly in shelters and underserved communities. AB 516 clarifies that registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants may perform any medical task not expressly prohibited by law, allowing veterinarians to focus on complex cases. SB 602 further expands access by allowing RVTs in designated shelters to provide routine care independently.
“That flexibility means animals won’t have to wait as long for basic, lifesaving care,” Thompson said. “Efficiency translates directly into better care for more animals.”
Three additional laws target puppy mills and deceptive pet sales practices that remain widespread despite California’s existing protections. A Los Angeles Times investigation revealed how out-of-state mass breeders use pet brokers, websites, and transporters to sell puppy mill dogs as locally raised pets.
Assembly Bill 519 bans pet brokers outright, while Senate Bill 312, the Puppy Importation Transparency Act, requires importers to submit health certificates identifying breeders and documenting a dog’s health. The information will be publicly available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Assembly Bill 506 voids deceptive sales contracts and requires refunds if a puppy becomes unavailable.
“These laws are designed to dismantle the shadow supply chain that has allowed inhumane breeders to operate out of sight,” Thompson said. “When you remove the middlemen, force transparency and shut down predatory contracts, you make it much harder for unethical sellers to profit.”
Public access to importation records will also give consumers new tools. Buyers will be able to verify breeder information, identify red flags such as repeated high-volume imports, and report discrepancies to authorities.
“Responsible breeders have nothing to fear from transparency,” Thompson said. “It helps distinguish them from puppy mills.”
Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society operates campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona, and San Diego. Officials say the legislative success reflects the growing role of animal welfare organizations in shaping statewide policy.
“These laws show what’s possible when animal welfare groups speak with a united voice,” Thompson said. “Advocacy is a vital part of our mission — not just responding to crisis but changing the systems that put animals at risk in the first place.”
For more information, visit sdhumane.org/advocacy.
