This bill, the Puppy Protection Act of 2025, amends the Animal Welfare Act to add specific care standards for dealers who handle dogs. It requires minimum housing and space rules (solid flooring, enough headroom, and defined indoor square footage by dog length), bans stacked enclosures, and sets a temperature range of 45–85°F when dogs are present. Dealers must provide nutritious food at least twice per day, continuous potable water, regular exercise (including an accessible outdoor exercise area for dogs older than 12 weeks or a veterinarian-prescribed alternative), and at least 30 minutes per day of meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs. The bill requires veterinary care and recordkeeping, including prompt treatment of injuries, veterinary attention for signs of disease, an annual hands-on exam including a basic dental check, core vaccinations per current AAHA guidelines, and parasite and heartworm preventives approved by a veterinarian. It sets safe-breeding rules: pre-breeding veterinary screening, limits on number of litters (no more than 2 in 25 months and no more than 6 in a lifetime), age limits for breeding by small and large breeds, and veterinary-performed caesarean sections. Dogs should be group-housed unless health or behavior risks prevent it. Dealers must make reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs rather than selling them at auction or placing them with other breeders for breeding. The bill also directs the Secretary to issue final regulations implementing these standards within 18 months of enactment.
No publicly available information.
The bill text states its purpose: to amend the Animal Welfare Act "to provide for the humane treatment of dogs." The standards included in the bill describe the care and housing changes proponents aim to require for dealers.
No publicly available information.