New California Laws Impacting Veterinary Practice in 2026
Several states have enacted veterinary and animal welfare laws now taking effect. Here’s what practitioners need to know.
The regulatory landscape for veterinary medicine continues to evolve. As of January 2026, several states have implemented new laws affecting everything from surgical procedures to practice delegation and animal sales. California leads with the most sweeping changes, but practitioners nationwide should stay informed as similar legislation gains traction in other states.
California: Cat Declawing Ban Takes Effect
California became the first state to enact a near-total ban on cat declawing with Assembly Bill 2954, effective January 1, 2025. The law prohibits surgical claw removal, onychectomy, and tendonectomy on cats except when performed for a “therapeutic purpose.”
Under the statute, therapeutic purpose is narrowly defined as “a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw that jeopardizes the cat’s health.” Procedures performed for cosmetic, aesthetic, or convenience reasons are explicitly excluded from this exception.
Penalties are civil, not criminal:
- First violation: $500
- Second violation: $1,000
- Third and subsequent violations: $2,500
The law does not preempt local ordinances adopted before January 1, 2025, that impose stricter prohibitions or more severe penalties. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley already had declawing bans in place.
For veterinarians: Document thoroughly when declawing is medically necessary. Ensure medical records clearly establish the therapeutic justification, including the specific condition being treated and why alternatives were insufficient.
Expanded Scope for Registered Veterinary Technicians
Senate Bill 669 significantly expands what registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) can do in California, allowing them to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) for specific preventive services under supervision.
Under the new law, RVTs may act as agents of the veterinarian to administer:
- Preventive or prophylactic vaccines
- Medications for control or eradication of internal or external parasites
Key conditions apply:
- Written protocols must be established by the supervising veterinarian
- RVTs must obtain patient history and perform physical examination
- The veterinarian must be physically present at a registered premises, or in the general vicinity and available by phone at other locations
- Comprehensive documentation is required
The law specifies detailed protocol requirements, including handling and administration according to manufacturer recommendations, criteria that would disqualify patients, and emergency response procedures.
Practice impact: This opens opportunities for high-volume preventive care clinics and community outreach programs while maintaining veterinary oversight. Practices should develop compliant written protocols before implementing these expanded services.
Shelter-Based Veterinary Technician Authorities
Related legislation creates new pathways for veterinary technicians working in shelter settings, recognizing the unique demands and staffing challenges these facilities face. Shelter-based RVTs may perform additional procedures under appropriate supervision, helping address the nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals in animal welfare organizations.
Pet Sale Consumer Protections
New California requirements affect how pets are sold to consumers:
Broker restrictions: Legislation prohibits brokers from selling young pets, targeting the pipeline that connects commercial breeding operations to retail outlets. This builds on California’s existing ban on pet store sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits from non-rescue sources.
Disclosure requirements: Pet sellers must provide clear disclosures about the animal’s origin, health history, and any known conditions. This applies to both retail sales and online transactions.
Electronic health certificates: Updated requirements for electronically filed health certificates streamline interstate movement documentation while maintaining traceability.
Beyond California: National Trends
While California often leads on animal welfare legislation, other states are implementing their own changes:
Veterinary workforce: Multiple states are examining scope of practice for veterinary technicians and exploring telemedicine regulations to address workforce shortages and access to care challenges.
Animal sale standards: Consumer protection laws targeting puppy mills and commercial breeders continue to advance, with several states tightening licensing requirements and inspection protocols.
Telemedicine: The regulatory framework for veterinary telemedicine remains in flux, with states taking varied approaches to VCPR establishment and prescribing through virtual consultations.
Compliance Considerations
For multi-state practices or those near state borders, staying current with varying regulations requires systematic monitoring. Key steps include:
- Review state board communications for implementation guidance
- Update consent forms and client communications to reflect new requirements
- Train staff on documentation requirements and procedure limitations
- Audit existing protocols against new standards
The regulatory environment for veterinary medicine will continue evolving as states balance animal welfare concerns, workforce realities, and practice standards. Proactive compliance protects both patients and practices.
This post provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your state veterinary board and legal counsel for specific compliance guidance.