Advertisement Sacramento bans commercial sale of animals from pet stores New law: Only shelter animals available at Sacramento pets stores Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The city of Sacramento voted to amend an ordinance Tuesday night banning the commercial sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from pet stores citywide. Council members approved the changes, which appeared on the consent calendar during the city council meeting. Here's a closer look at the new city law: WHAT WILL HAPPEN INSTEAD? Pet stores will partner with animal shelters and rescue groups to adopt dogs, cats and rabbits out. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? The city hopes to reduce unethical breeding that can happen with commercial sales. “In many cities, animals are brought in from other states, from ‘puppy mills,’ where they live a horrific life -- especially the breeder mothers, in cages their entire lives,” Front Street Animal Shelter Director Gina Knepp said. HOW MANY STORES DOES THIS IMPACT? The amended city ordinance is largely symbolic, Knepp explained. All but one pet store in Sacramento already voluntarily partners with an animal shelter to adopt out pets -- even large chains such as Petsmart. The lone pet store declined an interview with KCRA, but said they are against the amended ordinance. IS THIS DONE ELSEWHERE? More than 30 jurisdictions already enacted similar measures -- such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Sacramento’s amended ordinance is similar to Assembly Bill 485, which is moving through the state Legislature. The bill passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee in April. It will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. If AB 485 passes, it would make this practice a law for all pet stores across California. CAN I STILL BUY A SPECIALTY BRED PET? You can still purchase a specialty bred pet, but the city urges residents to choose a breeder responsibly. “If someone wants or needs a purebred animal, of course they can go to a breeder, but there are things you want to look for,” Knepp explained. “You’re buying this animal on the internet? You may want to think twice.” Although pet sales are not allowed on Craigslist, people can try to adopt -- or “re-home” -- a pet for a fee. Purebred re-homing fee listings can cost several hundred -- even thousands -- of dollars with little oversight or knowledge of the animal’s treatment, Knepp said. IF I WANT A SPECIALTY PET, WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR? A reputable dog or cat breeder will allow you to visit the home, look at the pet’s living conditions, provide veterinary records, as well as will conduct a screening process for potential owners. “You get a feeling for who you want to sell your dog to. It’s not about selling a dog,” professional dog breeder Pam Brann said. “We take care of them, we nurture them, we watch them from day one. My puppies are born in my front room.” Brann is president of the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs and has been breeding German Shorthaired Pointers for more than 20 years. Her commitment to her dogs outlasts raising them at home. Brann provides guidance to owners after purchase. If at any point they are not able to care for the dog, Brann will take the dog back home if possible. The Sacramento Dog Council’s website has a list a reputable dog breeders and trainers.