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New HampshireSB4422025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

relative to pet transfers.

Sponsored By: Howard Pearl (r)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Shelters must scan and contact owners

Animal shelters must keep a microchip scanner on site and a list of pet retrieval agencies and registries. When an unclaimed or abandoned animal comes in, shelters must check for tattoos or tags and scan for a microchip, and do so before transfer when the owner is not known. Shelters must contact registered owners or their agents as soon as possible and within 72 hours to let them reclaim the animal. If those contacts cannot be reached or refuse, shelters must contact the secondary owner listed on the microchip registry within 72 hours.

Health certificate and vaccines before pet transfer

The law requires every dog, cat, or ferret be vaccinated with a state‑approved vaccine before it is offered for transfer. Each transfer must include an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within the last 14 days. The veterinarian makes three copies: one kept by the vet, one for the seller or shelter, and one for the new owner. The certificate serves as basic proof of transfer. The veterinarian must give a copy to the Department of Agriculture when asked.

Stricter shelter rules after database launch

Beginning at 12:01 a.m., two years after the commissioner certifies the state animal records database is operational, stricter shelter rules apply. Shelters must have a microchip scanner and keep a list of recognized tattoo and microchip registries. They must inspect for permanent ID and scan for a chip on intake and before transfer when the owner is not known. They must contact registered owners or agents within 72 hours, and if not reached or they refuse, contact the secondary microchip owner within 72 hours. Shelters cannot transfer a dog, cat, or ferret until quarantine rules in RSA 437:8, V are met and the animal has an official transfer certificate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Howard Pearl

    r • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bill M. Gannon

    Republican • Senate

  • Carol M McGuire

    Republican • House

  • Daniel E. Innis

    Republican • Senate

  • David H. Watters

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy F. Aron

    Republican • House

  • Keith R. Murphy

    Republican • Senate

  • Kevin A. Avard

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael I Moffett

    Republican • House

  • Peter W Bixby

    Democratic • House

  • Timothy Lang

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 251; Effective 08/31/2026

    7/9/2026Senate

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 45

    6/17/2026House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14

    6/17/2026Senate

  4. Sen. Avard Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/21/2026; SJ 13

    5/21/2026Senate

  5. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1794h: MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 19

    5/7/2026House

  6. FLAM # 2026-1794h (Rep. Bixby): AA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 19

    5/7/2026House

  7. Committee Report: Ought to Pass 04/28/2026 (Vote 13-0; RC) HC 18 P. 11

    4/29/2026House

  8. Full Committee Work Session: 04/28/2026 10:00 am GP 153

    4/21/2026House

  9. Full Committee Work Session: 04/14/2026 01:30 pm GP 153

    4/8/2026House

  10. Public Hearing: 04/14/2026 10:30 am GP 153

    4/8/2026House

  11. Introduced (in recess of) 03/26/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 9 P. 54

    3/27/2026House

  12. Committee Amendment # 2026-1125s, AA, VV; 03/26/2026; SJ 7

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1125s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; SJ 7

    3/17/2026Senate

  14. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1125s, 03/26/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Hearing: 02/17/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:50 am; SC 5

    2/4/2026Senate

  16. Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1

    11/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    6/17/2026

    HTML

  • Introduced

    11/21/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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