10 California Pet Laws You Should Know
If you own a cat or dog in California, you know first-hand how much joy pet ownership can bring. However, pet ownership also brings forth new responsibility and it’s important that you understand how those responsibilities are defined by California pet laws.
Here are 10 California pet laws every owner should know.
California Pet Laws
Each day, Californians spend time with treasured family companions – and not just of the two-legged variety. Pets are incredibly important to many families; they serve as friends, medical devices (such as in seeing-eye dogs), and even therapy supports (such as in emotional support animals).
In most jurisdictions, pets are considered a form of property. However, unlike most “objects,” they require much more care. As living property, how you take care of them is critically important. Failures in care can and do jeopardize the lives of pets and the people around them.
In the state of California, strict laws govern pet ownership.
Here are 10 California pet laws you need to know.
1. California Pet Stores May Only Sell Rescues
At the end of 2018, California officially tightened up lax laws around what pet stores can and cannot sell. Primarily, they wanted to remove the right to sell animals (especially puppies and kittens) in an effort to reduce puppy mills and dangerous backyard breeding.
Now, a new law specifies that dogs, cats, and rabbits may only be sourced from rescues and/or shelters, such as the Humane Society, the SPCA, or some other designated rescue. The idea was to push adoption and move away from risky breeding practices.
This new law does not restrict breeders from practicing ethical breeding. They simply cannot sell the products of breeding through pet stores.
2. All Dogs Must Have a Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is incredibly deadly and extremely contagious. Unfortunately, it’s also highly likely to spread because patients often don’t show symptoms for some time. Once symptoms do manifest, there is almost a zero percent chance of survival. That’s why California requires all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs for Rabies.
Dogs must receive their first rabies vaccine no later than four months of age. However, if a stray dog is located, or a dog is older or younger, or if the status of rabies inoculation is unknown, the dog must still be tested and/or vaccinated. Your vet can determine whether your dog has sufficient antibodies from a past vaccination.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue? They must provide you with proof of inoculation prior to adoption.
3. All Dogs Must be Licensed
The state of California requires that all pet owners in all counties and places license their dogs. This is true for single dog owners, multiple dog owners, and breeders. Even rescues and shelters may need to license their dogs depending on the length of stay within the facility (e.g., long-term sanctuaries).
As with the rabies vaccine, dogs must be licensed by the time they are four months of age. Pets must have proof of rabies vaccination to be granted a license.
4. Rescuers Must Spay or Neuter Cats Prior to Adoption
Adopting a cat from a local rescue or shelter? This information is for you. California requires all rescues to provide proof of spay/neuter when adopting. Rescues cannot adopt out animals for the purposes of breeding, nor can they assume the owner will take care of the surgery and adopt them out intact.
While there may be special exceptions for animals who cannot be spayed or neutered for medical reasons, all other animals must have surgery prior to adoption. This measure prevents cat overpopulation and abandonment.
5. You Must be Given Proof of Spay/Neuter When Adopting
The responsibility to spay and neuter prior to adoption extends beyond just the rescue or shelters’ own knowledge. In fact, they aren’t permitted to adopt animals out without this proof; it is an offense to do so. This is especially important where cats are concerned because overpopulation on the streets can occur so quickly.
When adopting from such facilities, you must be provided with proof. This usually comes in the form of a vet’s certificate with the date of the surgery. Most rescues combine this with proof of rabies vaccination, especially in the case of dogs.
6. Reduction of Licensing Fees for Cats with Proof of Spay/Neuter
The good news about California’s spay/neuter guidelines is that government licensing becomes cheaper if you can prove you followed the rules. Licensing offices are regulated to reduce the licensing fee by 50 percent for anyone who adopts a cat that comes with proof of spay or neuter.
What if you don’t adopt from a facility – maybe find a cat outside? Have your vet fill out a certificate for proof of surgery, anyway. The licensing office will still reduce the overall cost by 50 percent either way.
7. It is an Offense to Abandon Any Pet – Dog, Cat, or Otherwise
Far too many pet owners move away or grow bored of their pets, abandoning them to a life outdoors. This results in significant suffering as domestic animals are really not built for life alone. That’s why California also makes it illegal to abandon any dog, cat or rabbit.
This is a chargeable offense under animal cruelty laws.
8. Animal Fighting is Illegal
In the state of California, no pet owner or person may engage in animal fighting of any kind. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fish, a rooster, a dog, or something else entirely; it is still illegal. The two most common cases you hear falling under these guidelines are cockfighting (fighting two roosters) and dogfighting (fighting two dogs).
If you become aware of such activities in your neighborhood, there are options for seeking help without putting yourself at risk. Contact your local police department for ASPCA.
9. Breeders Have Specific Responsibilities
The familiar phrase “adopt don’t shop” does serve an important purpose, but sometimes, it really is best to adopt from a responsible breeder. This is often the case for people who need dogs to be specially-trained (for therapy or as a seeing-eye dog). California allows breeders to operate within specific parameters to protect buyers and animals from harm.
For example, all dog breeders must provide a written certificate at the time of sale. This certificate needs to list the breeder’s contact and identity information, the dog’s date of birth, their breed, their vet records, and even their sex and the color of their coat. The breeder must also include an affidavit swearing they know the dog to be healthy and/or suitable for sale.
Breeders also have a responsibility to properly care for the animals they breed. For example, they must provide food, water, shelter, and all required standards of care during the time the animal spends with them. This includes proper veterinary care.
10. Pet Custody After Divorce
Although pets are technically property, a newly-enacted law in California specifies how they should be handled in divorce proceedings. Unlike most property, pets now fall under custody laws like children.
What does this mean if you divorce? Ultimately, you’ll have to decide who maintains custody of your pet and for how long. The judge may assign sole custody or joint custody depending on your situation. They’ll also take into consideration what’s best for the animal, meaning cases can potentially become very challenging if emotions run high or there is a significant amount of resentment.
Still, the purpose of the new law is important. It prevents animals from becoming pawns in divorce cases – or even being surrendered to a shelter because the owners cannot agree. Your lawyer can help you come to a fair agreement.
FAQ
It is illegal to keep a ferret, hedgehog, monkey, squirrel, or gerbil as a pet in California.
California is a “strict liability” state, which means you are liable if your dog bites someone in a public place or while in a private place legally. Find a dog bite attorney.
Many local governments in California have passed leash laws requiring pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash no longer than six feet.
Conclusion
California pet laws cover a wide range of topics, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself as a pet owner. This will ensure you and your pets enjoy a long-lasting experience together and avoid legal trouble down the road.
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