Press Release: 3/17/2026
Massachusetts: Pet Choice Restrictions Set for Floor Vote Thursday, 3/19
Published: Mar 16, 2026 | 2 Minutes
On Thursday, March 19, the Massachusetts Senate is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 2720 , which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits; and Senate Bill 3014, which, in addition to banning the retail sales of dogs and cats at pet shops, would also allow responsible pet ownership in public housing, require alternatives to animal testing for certain products, prohibit breed-based insurance discrimination, and mandate a study on pet-related housing fees.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes S.2720, which compels people and retailers to obtain pets solely from shelter or rescue distributors, thereby arbitrarily restricting consumer choice. AKC also opposes Section 6 of S.3014 limiting consumer choice. While the bills are expected to be approved, it is important that concerned Massachusetts residents contact both their state senator and senate leadership to voice opposition to S.2720 and Section 6 of S.3014, as well as their state representative should the bills be taken up by the state House of Representatives.
Summary of the “Pet Store Bills”
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If enacted, S.2720 and Section 6 of S.3014 would prohibit licensed pet shops from selling or offering for sale dogs, cats, or rabbits. While it would permit pet shops to provide space for animal rescue or shelter organizations to showcase these animals for adoption (provided the pet shop does not have an ownership interest in the animals), rescues and shelters would not be required to work with pet shops. The bill also explicitly provides that local governments can further regulate or prohibit the sale of animals. Violations would be subject to escalating civil penalties of $1,000-$5,000 and license suspension and revocation.
Under current law, pet purchasers in Massachusetts enjoy consumer protections that provide redress if a pet purchased from a pet shop is determined to have been sold with a disease or congenital disorder. S.2720 and S.3014 would roll back those protections. Massachusetts consumer protections do not apply to pets acquired from shelters or rescues.
Support Consumers’ Freedom to Select a Pet
AKC emphatically supports freedom of choice in selecting a pet, and actively promotes efforts to ensure that people are educated, understand the demands of responsible pet ownership, and have access to a pet that is right for them.
Great pets can come from a variety of sources, including breeders, shelters, rescues, and retail pet stores. Freedom of consumer choice to select an appropriate dog is the crucial first step to successful ownership for the life of the pet.
For more information and talking points, visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center to Learn More about Pet Choice and Pet Store Restrictions.
What You Can Do
- Contact your MA state senator and senate leaders to “oppose the pet store bills, S.2720 and Section 6 of S.3014.”
To find your state senator, go to the Find My Legislator tool and enter the required information.
Senate Leaders:
President Karen E. Spilka – Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov, (617) 722-1500
Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem – Cynthia.Creem@masenate.gov, (617) 722-1639
President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger – William.Brownsberger@masenate.gov, (617) 722-1280
Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr – Bruce.Tarr@masenate.gov, (617) 722-1600
- Next, also contact your MA state representative (House) to express concerns with the senate’s pet store bills and urge them to oppose them should they be considered in the House.
To find your state representative, go to the Find My Legislator tool and enter the required information.
Next Steps
AKC will continue to provide updates on S.2720, S.3014, and other Massachusetts legislation as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.
Thank you for helping protect the future of responsible pet ownership.