Pet Advocacy Network: Texas Lawmakers Should Reject Proposed Pet Sale Ban

HB 3458 Would Hurt Pets and Families

Alexandria, Va. – On Tuesday, the Texas House of Representatives is scheduled for a full vote on HB 3458, which would prohibit Texas pet stores from selling dogs and cats from professional breeders, no matter how reputable. That includes top-quality, professional breeders with show champions and advanced health certifications.

The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN), the policy voice of the responsible pet care community, provided expert testimony against the measure.

“If this bill is passed, over 30 small pet businesses across the Lone Star State will be forced to shutter their doors and hundreds of Texans will lose their jobs,” said Ashley Brinkman, director of government affairs. “Texans deserve the right to choose where they get a pet—whether that’s from a shelter, a licensed breeder, or a trusted business. This bill limits those options and hurts people looking for the right fit for their family.”

PAN asks lawmakers to vote “no” on HB 3458 to protect puppies, support responsible pet sourcing, and keep Texas families safe from scams and black-market sellers. Consider:

• Puppy Scams: After California passed a similar law in 2019, the Better Business Bureau reported a staggering 350 percent increase in puppy scams. Families were swindled out of thousands of dollars while searching for the right puppy.
• Hurts Small Business Owners: Pet sale bans have devastating economic impacts on small, local pet stores that cannot compete with the low prices of pet products offered by large chain retailers. Many of these small, family-run businesses are proud to invest heavily in animal welfare protocols and regulatory compliance.
• Bad for Animal Welfare: If Texas truly wants to protect companion animals, the answer isn’t to ban transparent, regulated, brick-and-mortar businesses that serve Texan families every day in their search for their next pet. Rather, the solution is to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed breeding and illegal trade that cause shelter overpopulation and perpetuate animal cruelty.

About the Pet Advocacy Network

The Pet Advocacy Network connects the experience and expertise of the responsible pet care community to lawmakers and governing bodies, advocating for legislative and regulatory priorities at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets, including small animals, cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, and birds. Pet Advocacy Network members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations. To learn more, visit www.PetAdvocacy.org.