Pet broker sales.

Assembly Member Berman's legislation to regulate pet brokers would prohibit third-party facilitators from selling or arranging adoptions of puppies under one year old, cats, and rabbits in California. The bill defines brokers as individuals or businesses that coordinate sales of animals bred by others for profit, including both in-person and online transactions.

The measure creates several exemptions to allow continued pet transfers in specific circumstances. Private owners may sell or transfer up to three animals per calendar year, while government agencies, animal control facilities, shelters, and registered nonprofit rescue groups would maintain their current ability to arrange adoptions. The bill also exempts transfers of service animals and activities by youth education nonprofits focused on animal care.

This proposal builds upon existing state law, which already requires pet dealers to maintain health and safety standards and prohibits online retailers from offering financing for dog, cat and rabbit sales. The new restrictions specifically target commercial brokers who serve as intermediaries between breeders and buyers, while preserving direct sales and nonprofit adoption channels.