Puppy Protection Act of 2026

Stricter care rules for puppy sellers

If enacted, this bill would require commercial dog dealers to follow detailed new care, housing, breeding, and placement rules for dogs. Dogs over 8 weeks would need minimum indoor floor space by length: at least 12 sq ft for dogs 25 inches long or less, 20 sq ft for dogs over 25 but under 35 inches, and 30 sq ft for dogs 35 inches or more. Housing must have solid flooring, no stacked enclosures, temperature control between 45 and 85 °F, continuous potable water, and at least two meals daily. Each dog must get at least 30 minutes of positive socialization with humans and compatible dogs daily. Dogs over 12 weeks must have unrestricted daylight access to a ground-level, solid-surface, enclosed outdoor exercise area unless a licensed veterinarian documents a medical restriction and prescribes an alternative per applicable regulations. Dealers must provide prompt veterinary care, annual hands-on exams including dental checks, core vaccinations per AAHA guidance, and parasite/heartworm/flea/tick prevention. The bill would require pre-breeding veterinary screening, age and litter limits (no more than 2 litters per 18 months, 6 lifetime; small females not before 18 months or after 9 years; large females not before 2 years or after 7 years), veterinarian-performed caesarians only, group housing unless unsafe, and humane placement for retired breeding dogs (no auction sales or placement with other breeders for breeding). The bill would also make existing exercise rules explicitly subject to these new standards and would require the Secretary of Agriculture to issue final implementing regulations within 18 months after enactment.