California has become the first state to ban the sale of commercial pets, selling animals from commercial breeders! That's great news for us, shelter pet lovers but bad news for commercial breeders, the AKC, and some in the pet industry. 

The law signed by governor Jerry Brown back in October went into effect January 1, 2019. The law states that pet stores in Cali now have to sell animals from shelters. However, individual breeders can still sell their breeds so don't expect to stop seeing yorkies and morkies and maltipoos. Individual breeders with permits will still be allowed to sell you the designer dogs you desire. The law only applies to commercial pet stores and chains. Animal lovers and advocates hope that this will mean more shelter pups will find their families and that small mom and pop pet stores will add shelter pups to their business models. Numerous pet shops have already jumped on board of the new law before it even went into effect, selling dogs they found and rescued from the shelter. They are training, grooming and preparing these pets for their forever homes and guarantee that they will be responsible K9 companions . 

Some small pet shop owners and skeptics think the bill will push sales to the internet and other states where the sell of designer dogs is less regulated. There is no law banning the shipping or order of a dog from another state. As well as, while allergies grow the popularity of some breeds for health considerations also grow, which would be harder and more expensive to obtain in California. However, there is no lack of poodles and allergy friendly dogs that are at shelters. 

The law is now in effect in California and locals are hoping that this will save lives, and stop the inhumane treatment of puppy mills and large commercial breeders.