MN HF1276

Prohibits retail pet shops from selling, offering to sell, bartering, auctioning, or otherwise transferring ownership of dogs and cats effective August 1, 2023.

Allows pet shops to provide space to nonprofit humane societies, animal control agencies, and 501(c)(3) animal rescue organizations to offer animals for adoption, provided the pet shop retains no ownership interest and receives no fee for the space.

Defines "pet shop" as any pet dealer operating a physical retail store where animals are sold or offered for sale to the general public.

Establishes civil fines of up to $1,000 per violation for pet shops that violate the prohibition, with each transfer of animal ownership constituting a separate violation.

Applies the civil fine penalty to existing pet dealer violations including failure to provide required disclosures, maintain records, provide registration papers, and post consumer rights notices.