Arizona Law Taking Effect Endorsing Responsible Pet Stores

PHOENIX — A new law goes into effect Sat. Aug. 6 making it possible for pet stores to purchase and sell puppies from U.S.D.A. licensed commercial breeders, but enacting penalties for store owners who buy from those who are not in good standing with the U.S.D.A.

Breeders in the U.S. who sell to pet stores and have more than four breeding female dogs on their property are required by federal law to be licensed and inspected by the U.S.D.A.

Governor Doug Ducey signed bill SB 1248 in May after cities such as Phoenix and Tempe passed ordinances designed to eliminate puppy mills and the sale of dogs and cats from them by restricting pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs and cats — mandating they only sell those obtained from rescue groups and/or shelters.

The Governor wrote, “I would never, ever support any business operation that would endanger dogs and subject future generations of puppies to health risks and defects.” Click here to read Gov. Ducey’s signing letter.

“Puppy mills are deplorable and we do not buy our puppies from them. We support this bill because it adds a layer of accountability to pet stores that do. The puppies we sell come from reputable, upstanding breeders whom we trust and whose dogs (adults and puppies alike) are treated with exceptional care,” says Linda Nofer, marketing director for Puppies ‘N Love and Animal Kingdom pet stores.

What does SB 1248 mean for pet stores and consumers?

• Pet stores in Arizona are prohibited from obtaining animals from breeders required to have a U.S.D.A. license but do not currently have one.
• Pet stores in Arizona are prohibited from obtaining animals from U.S.D.A. licensed breeders who have committed a “direct violation” of U.S.D.A. regulations within the past two years.
• SB 1248 includes a three-strike penalty for pet store owners who violate the above policies – banning them from working with commercial breeders and mandating they obtain pets only from rescue groups and/or shelters.
• Pet stores in Arizona are required to disclose the source of the animals they sell both in-store and online.
• SB 1248 gives consumers and animal advocates the right and ability to research the sources or breeders supplying puppies/kittens to pet stores.
• SB 1248 prohibits Arizona cities and counties from enacting or enforcing breed-specific dog regulations and gives the state the power to regulate and penalize pet stores.

Note to media: Please contact Linda Nofer at (480) 510-2353 to obtain puppy b-roll. We have four Puppies ‘N Love and Animal Kingdom stores in the Valley, one in Tucson and Trendy Pet & Rescue store in Scottsdale. We are available for on-camera interviews.

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