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California Senate panel advances bill to require electronic health certificates for dogs imported for sale
Summary
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted unanimously to advance SB 312, which would require electronic submission of health certificates for dogs imported into California for sale, make those certificates available to buyers and potentially the public, and centralize records with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday voted to pass SB 312, a measure that would require importers of dogs brought into California for resale to submit completed health certificates electronically to the California Department of Food and Agriculture and to buyers within 10 days of shipment.
The bill’s author, Senator Umberg, told the committee California’s 2017 ban on retail puppy sales has not stopped out‑of‑state breeders and online brokers from shipping large numbers of dogs into the state. "We accept the committee's amendments with regard to the privacy concerns of the American Kennel Club," Umberg said, and asked members for an aye vote.
Supporters said the bill would create a centralized record of incoming animals and help consumers, animal welfare organizations and law enforcement identify fraud and poor breeding conditions. "This is why in 2014, the ASPCA sponsored AB 1809, which required certificates of health to accompany dogs coming into the state for the purpose of resale," said Britney Benesee of the ASPCA. She argued that directing certificates to county health departments proved inadequate and that a centralized CDFA database would improve transparency.
Juliana Tetlow of the San Diego Humane Society said the current system leaves shelters and local animal control without reliable information about the origin or health of puppies sold online. "California consumers have no reliable way to verify the origin or health status of the animals that they're purchasing," Tetlow testified.
Committee members pressed the bill’s backers on exemptions and practical effects. Senator Cortesi asked whether exemptions for service or working dogs would remain; witnesses said federal and state documentation already accompanies most interstate transports and they did not anticipate new burdens for law enforcement or service animals. Committee members also raised concerns about breeding practices intended to evade the law, including the possibility of pregnant dams being brought into California and giving birth after arrival. Supporters said the veterinarian-signed certificate should reflect the animal’s condition and that the authors would consider clarifying language.
The committee’s vote was recorded as 4–0 in favor of the motion to pass SB 312 as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The measure will next be considered by Appropriations. The bill’s text requires electronic submission of the health certificate to CDFA and to the buyer within 10 days of shipment and permits the certificates to be made publicly available.
SB 312 supporters include the ASPCA, San Diego Humane Society and the California Animal Welfare Association; no registered opponents testified at the hearing.
