A handful of new animal welfare laws aimed at protecting pets while strengthening veterinary care statewide will take effect Jan. 1 in California.

San Diego Humane Society said the new laws are the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of advocacy groups.

New California laws aimed to protect animals starting Jan. 1, 2026

The Anti-Declaw Bill
California will make it illegal on January 1st to declaw cats, except when a medical procedure is necessary for cats’ health, and it must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Previously, people have declawed felines to stop cats from ruining furniture and scratching family members. But the supporters of AB 867, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, have said declawing is inhumane as it amputates bones, leading to pain and reducing the animals’ quality of life. 

The following bills were sponsored by the SDHS, the agency said:

Closing The Pet Broker Loophole, AB 519, authored by Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, bans California pet brokers or any entity profiting from the sale of animals bred by a third party from doing business in the state. Eliminating brokers is expected to prevent third-party sellers from marketing puppy mill dogs as locally raised pets, according to the organization.

The Puppy Importation Transparency Act
SB 312, authored by Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, requires dog importers to electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. The certificates identifying breeders and documenting the dog's health will be made public, giving consumers and law enforcement access to critical information needed to identify unethical breeding and transport practices, SDHS officials said.

Read more here: NBC San Diego