OH HB573

Dog retailers prohibited from selling dogs under 8 weeks old, without veterinary inspection certificate, without permanent microchip identification, or to buyers under 18 years old.

Dog retailers must provide written certification to buyers including breeder name, address, USDA license number, inspection report, dog's birth date, breed/color/marks, and veterinary health documentation.

Director of Agriculture must license pet stores; applicants must pay $500 fee, affirm compliance with animal care requirements, and may only sell dogs from animal rescues, shelters, humane societies, dog retailers, or qualified breeders.

Qualified breeders defined as non-high-volume breeders or USDA-licensed high-volume breeders with no direct noncompliance violations in prior 3 years and no more than 3 noncompliance violations in prior 2 years.

Violations subject to civil penalties of $100-$10,000 depending on violation type and frequency; pet store regulation preempts local ordinances.