Illinois Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
ILLINOIS Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
(Adjourned on May 31, 2025)
24 pet-related issues were proposed during the 1st year of the 2025-26 Illinois legislative session, 8 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| ISSUE | IMPACT | POSITION | ACTION | FINAL STATUS |
| HB 1556 (Pet Shop Dog and Cat Sourcing Requirements) | Revises the Illinois Animal Welfare Act to: (1) define and regulate professional breeders, (2) restrict animal shelter intake sources, (3) expand pet shop sourcing to include regulated breeders, and (4) establish detailed welfare and enforcement standards for breeders to enhance animal welfare and transparency. | SUPPORT | Testimony submitted. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 1603 (IL Landlord-Tenant Act/Breed-Specific Prohibition) | Prohibits a landlord or lessor from refusing to rent to, deny housing to, or impose conditions on a lessee or tenant based on the breed of a dog or dogs in residential housing that contains more than 3 units of housing. | SUPPORT | Testimony submitted. Action Alert sent. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 1863/SB 291 (“One Health Framework Task Force Act”) | Establishes the “One Health Framework Task Force Act” within the Illinois Department of Public Health to foster interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among physicians, veterinarians, scientific professionals, and state agencies. | SUPPORT | Testimony submitted. | ENACTED (EFFECTIVE ON 1/1/26) |
| HB 3056 (Dog Importation Restrictions-Age Limit) | Prohibits the importation of dogs under eight weeks old into Illinois by licensed individuals and requires verification of a dog’s age before importation to enhance animal welfare protections. | SUPPORT | Testimony submitted. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1545 (“Dog Dealer” Definition Amendment) | Amends the Illinois Animal Welfare Act to exclude retail dog sellers from the definitions of “dog dealer” and “animal shelter” and enhances the Department of Agriculture’s authority to enforce licensing requirements. | MONITOR | Monitored. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1669 (IL Landlord-Tenant Act/Pet Fees) | Amends the IL Landlord-Tenant Act to set maximum limits on pet-related fees in Illinois rental properties. Allows landlords to charge either a one-time pet fee or recurring pet rent (but not both) and prohibits such charges for assistance animals. | SUPPORT | Testimony submitted. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 2096 (“Veterinary Medical Practice Ownership Act”) | Creates the “Veterinary Medical Practice Ownership Act” to permit both licensed veterinarians and non-licensed individuals or entities to own veterinary practices in Illinois, provided that only licensed veterinarians deliver or influence veterinary care, while maintaining existing professional standards and legal relationships. | MONITOR | Monitored. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
View ALL Illinois legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025-26 session.
View ALL Illinois regulations tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025-26 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025-26 session.