MN HF2490

Establishes a 13-member Companion Animal Board appointed by the governor to promote welfare of cats, dogs, and other pets, with members representing veterinarians, local governments, Tribes, animal shelters/rescues, commercial breeders, and mental health professionals

Transfers licensing and inspection duties for kennels, dealers, and commercial breeders from the Board of Animal Health to the new Companion Animal Board effective July 1, 2026

Appropriates $2,854,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,057,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund, including at least $250,000 annually for grants and a one-time $750,000 pilot program allocation

Creates a companion animal account in the special revenue fund to collect fees, penalties, gifts, and grants to fund board operations and grant programs for veterinary services, shelter management, and pet care education

Limits board jurisdiction to companion animals only; excludes livestock, wild animals, regulated animals, and racehorses, and preserves authority of the Board of Veterinary Medicine and Board of Animal Health over their respective domains