AZ HB2242

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes sections 44-1799 and 44-1799.01 to add "commercial dog breeder" as a defined category, establishing it as a person who sells 20 or more dogs in a calendar year.

Expands the definition of "pet dealer" to include both pet store owners and commercial dog breeders under the same regulatory framework.

Requires licensed veterinarians to examine all cats and dogs received by a pet dealer before placement for sale, and to examine all female dogs owned by a pet dealer before breeding.

Allows pet dealers to return cats or dogs diagnosed with contagious disease to the source or keep them separately from healthy animals with appropriate isolation and handling procedures.

Maintains existing exemptions for commercial livestock operations, commercial livestock auction markets, publicly operated pounds, and private charitable humane societies.