HB2824 Summary

• Dog dealers and cattery operators must provide documentation that dogs and cats available for sale have been microchipped.

• Pet shop operators must microchip all dogs and cats prior to sale and disclose this information to customers.

• Animal shelters must inform adopters whether a dog or cat was microchipped before intake and must contact pet shop operators or rescue organizations identified on microchips if owners refuse to reclaim animals.

• Pet shop operators, dog dealers, and cattery operators are prohibited from obtaining or selling dogs and cats from sellers with critical non-compliant or direct non-compliant violations on recent USDA inspection reports, with exceptions for small breeders, nonprofits, and public pounds.

• Home rule powers are denied; sourcing regulations for dogs and cats sold by pet shops and dealers are established as a matter of statewide interest.