Bill ends commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores, strengthens cruelty protections, and prohibits breed-based discrimination in public housing and insurance coverage
The Massachusetts Senate today (3/19/26) unanimously passed legislation to end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop pipeline by cutting off commercial sales of cats and dogs in Massachusetts pet stores.
The bill, nicknamed the PETS Act, would also end harsh, unnecessary testing of animal subjects for non-medical purposes; boost animal wellbeing; and make responsible pet ownership possible for more people.
"Pets are family, and this bill makes it clear they should be treated that way," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We are doubling down on treating animals with humanity and care, expanding access to pet ownership, and taking another important step toward ending discrimination against breeds like pit bulls. This bill was a true team effort in the Senate, and I want to thank Chair Rodrigues and Chair Rausch for their stewardship of the legislation, Senators Lewis, Payano, Montigny, and O'Connor for their leadership on these issues, and the countless advocates who raised their voices in support of animal well-being in Massachusetts."
"Anyone who knows me knows that at times, I like dogs better than I like people. As the proud owner of my 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Mabel, I truly believe that it is our responsibility as legislators to protect our beloved pets and strengthen animal protection measures," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "For years, we have heard from residents and advocates about the need to end the practice of inhumane sales of puppies and kittens and enforce regulations against bad actors. As many people know, pets brighten up our days, reduce stress, and offer unconditional love, which we hope to reciprocate by showing dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals across the Commonwealth that we care."
Under Senate Bill 3014, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety, pet shops could display animals from nonprofits for adoption, but for‑profit sales—often linked to large commercial breeders known as puppy mills—would be banned. A growing number of states have banned the sale of cats and dogs in licensed retail pet stores.
"The emotional connection and love between pets and their humans is so often both immeasurable and indescribable. I see it with our family dog, Melody, and particularly so between Melody and our children. Everyone should have the chance to experience the joy and—especially true for our kids—responsibility that comes with caring for a pet," said Senator Rebecca L. Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. "Today the Senate takes yet another big step forward in its leadership on the care and protection of animals by passing the PETS Act, to end the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline, halt cruel and unnecessary animal testing, ensure animal safety officers have the tools they need to provide animal protection, and promote pet ownership in public housing. It brings me great joy to vote yes, and great pride to have helped shepherd several key components of this legislation as Senate Chair of the Joint Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Municipalities and Regional Government. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, our several colleagues who championed each of the bills comprising this omnibus, and the many animal rights advocates, whose collective dedication, diligence, and expertise made today possible."
"It breaks my heart to see cruel and inhumane puppy mills abusing dogs to mass-produce puppies to ship across the country when there are so many wonderful and lonely pets waiting to be adopted," said Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester), who sponsored legislation to ban for-profit cat and dog sales in pet shops. "I have proudly adopted my cats from the MSPCA, including my 15-year-old cat Mookie, and have long advocated for people to reach out to their local shelters and adoption centers when considering getting a pet."
"Having had my pit bull Teja in my life shaped how I understand the role pets play in our families and communities. In Massachusetts, no one should face higher insurance costs because of a dog's breed, be forced to choose between housing and their pet, or be burdened by unclear and rising pet fees. This bill moves us toward fairness by focusing on real behavior, expanding access to pet-friendly housing, and giving us the data we need to address the true impact of these costs," said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), the sponsor of provisions to end breed discrimination and open up the possibility of pet ownership in public housing.
To make pet ownership possible for more Massachusetts residents, the PETS Act would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to create a uniform pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing. Public housing facilities would be prohibited from discriminating based on a pet's breed or size. The legislation's breed acceptance measures go further by prohibiting homeowner insurance companies from factoring a dog's breed into underwriting, rating, or renewal decisions.
To promote animal welfare, the bill would prohibit manufacturers from subjecting animals to unnecessary chemical testing for non-medical research, sparing innocent animals from harsh conditions. It would also extend a state law which protects dogs from cruelty to cover all household pets, ensuring adequate food, water, and sanitary conditions. The legislation would also protect livestock and other animals by adding civil penalties to enforce existing anti-cruelty statutes.
"Animals who provide us with boundless love and companionship must be protected from cruel and abusive actions by neglectful individuals," said Senator Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford), the sponsor of underlying bills to expand anti-cruelty laws and limit unnecessary chemical testing on animals. "Sadly, we have done far too little to punish and deter heartless abuse and to push back against a weak system that has too often failed to hold abusers accountable. This legislation will crack down on such abhorrent treatment by empowering local authorities to intervene and remedy cruel conditions and by banning the use of painful vanity testing on animals when cosmetics and other household products can easily be tested through alternative means."
"This legislation ends the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Massachusetts, finally severing our ties to puppy mills and unethical breeding operations. For too long, the retail pet industry has not taken accountability for a system that harms animals and misleads hopeful pet owners, allowing sick and vulnerable animals to be sold across the Commonwealth," said Senator Patrick M. O'Connor (R-Weymouth), who sponsored bills calling for the ban on commercialized animal sales in pet shops. "I'm grateful to my colleagues for advancing this legislation and to those at organizations such as the MSPCA, the Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League for their tireless advocacy in bringing us to this moment. We've seen communities step up to act, and now it's time to make this the standard statewide. I am confident in this legislation as it moves through the Senate and as we affirm our commitment to protecting both animals and pet owners."
During today's session, Senators amended the bill to expand the 2022 research animal protection law and apply its provisions to all research facilities that test on dogs and cats, beyond the law's original focus on higher education facilities. The law requires facilities to assess the health of former animal test subjects and then, if appropriate, make them available for adoption as pets.
The bill was reported to the full Senate by a 17-0 vote of the Committee on Ways and Means on March 12, 2026. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature's website and full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate Press Room.
The Senate passed the bill on a 38-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.
Statements of Support
Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy, MSPCA-Angell
"We are grateful to the Senate for passing this landmark bill that protects animals, families, and consumers across the Commonwealth. Through our animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and humane law enforcement work, the MSPCA-Angell sees firsthand the impact that inhumane practices have on the animals we share our lives and spaces with. The PETS Act will help keep more pets in their homes while reducing the number of animals entering shelters and municipal facilities across the state, stop the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline, end the unnecessary use of animals in cosmetic testing, and put in place additional tools to prevent animals from being kept in cruel conditions—all measures that will ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in animal protection."
Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"The PETS Act shows Massachusetts' continuing commitment to preventing animal cruelty and improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. At the Animal Rescue League of Boston, we believe pets are family and we support policies to remove obstacles to pet friendly housing and strive to keep more pets and people together. Preventing insurance companies from discriminating on the basis of dog breed and appearance will allow pets to stay with their families and out of shelters. ARL is proud to support this act that in addition to helping pet families, will also help animals across Massachusetts by banning the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores, requiring alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods, and allowing animal control and humane law enforcement to intervene before situations reach felony cruelty."
Preyel Patel, Massachusetts State Director, Humane World for Animals
"Today's vote is a major step forward for animals and families across Massachusetts. The PETS Act shuts off the cruel puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline and puts our state at the forefront of humane science by requiring the use of non-animal test methods for cosmetics and household products when validated alternatives are available. Combined with stronger cruelty protections and provisions to keep families and their pets together in their homes, this bill reflects the values our Commonwealth strives to uphold. We commend the Senate for advancing these critical protections."
Stephanie Harris, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager, Animal Legal Defense Fund
"This landmark legislation demonstrates the Senate's commitment to protecting companion animals—those who share our homes and lives and are irreplaceable members of our families. The protections in this bill touch many corners of companion animals' lives—from preventing sourcing animals from puppy mills, to funding preventive care for homeless animals. We will continue to advocate for animals in the state to build on this achievement."
