Pet Advocacy Network

08/06/2026

California's “pet prohibition” law eliminated regulated pet sales at retail stores but did not eliminate demand for pets.

In the years that followed, an L.A. Times investigation found “a network of resellers — including ex-cons and schemers — replaced pet stores as middlemen.”p. Rather than creating more transparency and accountability, these changes raised new questions about where pets were coming from and who was profiting from their sale.

At Pet Advocacy Network, we believe protecting pets requires strong oversight, enforceable standards, and responsible, regulated options. The goal should be to address bad actors directly, not eliminate responsible, safe pathways for families seeking a pet.

08/04/2026

Who benefits when regulated pet sales are banned?

Not consumers. Not responsible businesses. And not pets.

Pet prohibition laws do not shut down irresponsible breeders. Instead, they can push consumers toward unregulated sellers who operate with less transparency and accountability. When legitimate, regulated options disappear, bad actors often face less competition and more opportunities to reach unsuspecting buyers.

At Pet Advocacy Network, we support policies that target bad actors directly while preserving responsible, regulated pathways for families looking to bring home a pet.

07/31/2026

Pet prohibitions are laws that ban the sale of pets. While these policies are often promoted as a way to protect animals, they have the opposite effect.

When regulated, transparent avenues for acquiring pets are eliminated, demand does not disappear. Instead, consumers may turn to unregulated sellers and online marketplaces where there is less oversight, fewer consumer protections, and limited transparency about an animal's origin and care.

At Pet Advocacy Network, we believe the best way to protect pets and consumers is through responsible regulation, strong animal welfare standards, and accountable pet care providers, not by eliminating responsible options altogether.

07/29/2026

Moving can be stressful for anyone. Now imagine experiencing it as a puppy that is only a few weeks old.

Federal regulations generally require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old before being transported to a pet store, but those same requirements do not apply to rescues. As a result, some puppies are transported at a younger age during a critical stage of development. Underage transport can increase stress and may make puppies more vulnerable to illness and behavioral challenges.

At Pet Advocacy Network, we believe “care is care.” We support policies that ensure all puppies receive the protections they need, regardless of where they are headed.

07/28/2026

Massachusetts families deserve healthy pets and a transparent, well-regulated marketplace.

State lawmakers are considering two very different approaches. One bill strengthens oversight by requiring pet stores to be licensed, inspected, and transparent about the health and sourcing of their animals. The other would ban retail pet sales altogether, reducing consumer choice while pushing families toward less regulated, less transparent sources.

In a new op-ed, Pet Advocacy Network's Alisa Clements explains why House Bill 2256 offers a common-sense path to protecting both pets and consumers, while Senate Bill 3028 risks repeating the mistakes seen in other states.

Read the full op-ed:

This summer, two bills on Beacon Hill claim to protect pets. Only one actually does — and the difference matters enormously for Massachusetts families. With summer in full stride, families are heading to the park to play fetch with their dogs, taking them for walks along the Charles, and making th...

07/22/2026

From screwworm to rabies, importing pets can accidentally spread disease or pests. It’s important to ensure that there are strong protocols in place to protect animal (and human) health.

That’s why we support, along with other animal and veterinary groups, the Healthy Dog Importation Act. Read more about this important piece of legislation here: https://bit.ly/4yz6336

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks are part of the fun for many families on the Fourth, but they can be overwhelming for our pets. That's why July 5 is consistently one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters, with many lost pets arriving after the holiday.

A little preparation can make a big difference. Check out these simple tips to help keep your pets safe before and during the fireworks.

From all of us at Pet Advocacy Network, have a safe, fun, and happy Independence Day!

06/24/2026

What does pet conservation have to do with the pet industry?

In a new op-ed published by PETS+ Magazine, Pet Advocacy Network CEO Sandy Moore explains how a regulated pet supply chain can help combat wildlife trafficking and support conservation efforts around the world.

From protecting endangered species to supporting sustainable livelihoods, responsible pet ownership and legal pet commerce can have an impact far beyond our homes.

Read more ⬇️

From fighting wildlife trafficking to funding preserves, the legal pet trade creates incentives that benefit both animals and ecosystems worldwide.

06/22/2026

Navigating species regulations doesn't have to be complicated.

Pet Advocacy Network's State & Federal Species Compliance Resources provides a centralized hub for state-by-state regulations, agency websites, federal statutes, and compliance information related to prohibited, restricted, and regulated animal species.

Whether you're a retailer, breeder, distributor, manufacturer, or hobbyist, access the resources you need to make informed compliance decisions.

Federal Resources

05/12/2026

Families deserve safe, transparent options when choosing a pet. Licensed pet stores are inspected, regulated, and accountable. Online sellers often are not.

In a new op-ed, Pet Advocacy Network’s Alyssa Miller-Hurley breaks down why Pennsylvania’s proposed pet store sales ban would hurt families, responsible breeders, small businesses, and pets.

Read more ⬇️

After 20 years of similar bans nationwide, activists still claim 10,000 puppy mills exist—proving these laws fail while eliminating consumer protections for Pennsylvania families.