Massachusetts Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
MASSACHUSETTS Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
(Formal Session Adjourned on November 19, 2025)
58 pet-related items were proposed during the 1st year of the 2025-26 California legislative session, 19 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Priority ISSUES:
| ISSUE | IMPACT | POSITION | ACTION | FINAL STATUS |
| HB 138 (Definition of “Livestock” Amendment) | Clarifies that the section does not apply to the raising of dogs or cats for breeding, their commercial use, or their commercial grooming. Aims to exclude these activities from the regulations that apply to livestock, thereby differentiating between traditional livestock and pets used for commercial purposes. | Monitor | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 893 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, and Rabbit Sales Restrictions) | Mandates that pet shops in Massachusetts can only sell dogs, cats, and rabbits sourced from approved shelters or rescue groups, with violations incurring a $500 penalty per animal. | Oppose | In-person and written testimony submitted. Met in person with legislators. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 943 (Dog Importation Restrictions – Animal Rescue Organizations) | Mandates a 48-hour quarantine and specific vaccinations for dogs brought into Massachusetts by animal rescue organizations, with certain exemptions and regulatory provisions. | Monitor | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 967/SB 651 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, and Rabbit Sales Prohibition) | Bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops in Massachusetts, with exceptions for existing shops and provisions for animal adoptions, effective January 1, 2027. | Oppose | In-person and written testimony submitted. Met in person with legislators. Action Alert sent. | HB 967 CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) SB 651 SUBSTITUTED BY SB 2720 |
| HB 1033/SB 607 (Invasive Species Council/Advisory Committee) | Establishes a comprehensive framework for managing invasive species in Massachusetts, including the creation of a trust fund, strategic management plan, and advisory committee to enhance prevention, control, and collaboration efforts. | Monitor | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 1186 (Pet Insurance Regulations) | Establishes a legal framework for pet insurance in Massachusetts, detailing policy conditions, consumer disclosures, and producer training. | Monitor | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 2256 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, and Rabbit Sourcing Restrictions/Warranty Law) | Enhances the regulation of pet sales in Massachusetts by mandating health certifications, defining seller responsibilities, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. | Support | Testimony submitted. | SENT TO STUDY ORDER (HB 4732) AND CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 2319 (Shelter-Rescue Animal Intake/Disposition Transparency) | Requires nonprofit animal placement entities to annually report the number and origin of dogs and cats brought into Massachusetts, enhancing oversight of animal health and welfare. | Support | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HB 4319/SB 618 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, Rabbit, and Guinea Pig Sales Prohibition) | Prohibits Massachusetts pet shops from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, while allowing them to host adoption events for rescue animals. | Oppose | In-person and written testimony submitted. Met in person with legislators. Action Alert sent. | HB 4319 CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) SB 618 SUBSTITUTED BY SB 2720 |
| HB 4732 (Joint Municipalities & Regional Government Committee Study Order) | A Study Order which includes HB 2256 (restricts the sourcing of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops). | Support | Tracking. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| HD 4910 (Commercial Parrot Sales Prohibition) | Prohibits the commercial sale and transfer of parrots in Massachusetts, allowing only uncompensated adoptions through registered rescues or shelters, with enforcement and penalties for violations. | Oppose | Tracking (pending bill number and committee assignment). | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 650 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, and Rabbit Sales Prohibition) | Seeks to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in Massachusetts pet shops while allowing space for adoption showcases by rescue organizations, with local authorities maintaining regulatory powers. | Oppose | Testimony submitted. Action Alert sent. | SUBSTITUTED BY SB 2720 |
| SB 1263 (Non-Economic Damages Awards) | “Crawford’s Law” establishes liability and allows for damages claims for the unjustified death of pets, with a cap of $30,000 on non-economic damages. | Oppose | Testimony submitted. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1277 (Animal Cruelty Task Force/Pet Ownership Prohibition) | Establishes and Animal Cruelty Laws Task Force to enhance legal measures for the protection of neglected animals in Massachusetts, allowing authorities to remove, care for, or seize animals, and mandates court hearings to determine neglect and appropriate actions. | Monitor | Testimony submitted. | CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 2720 (Pet Shop Dog, Cat, and Rabbit Sales Prohibition) | Seeks to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in Massachusetts pet shops while allowing space for adoption showcases by rescue organizations, with local authorities maintaining regulatory powers. | Oppose | Tracking. | SUBSTITUTED FOR SB 618, SB 650 AND SB 651 CARRIED OVER TO 2026 (2025 SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| ORD 2025001 (Pet Shop Amphibian, Reptile, Bird, Mammal Sales Prohibition) | Prohibits Beverly, MA pet shops from selling live amphibians, birds, reptiles, or mammals. Pet shops can only partner with animal shelters or rescue organizations to display adoptable animals but may not own the animals or charge fees for the display space. | Oppose | Testimony submitted. Action Alert sent. | ADOPTED |
View ALL Massachusetts legislation 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.