Legis Daily

Puppy Protection Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-2253| House 
| Updated: 4/4/2025
Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Republican Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (201)
John W. Mannion (Democratic)Dwight Evans (Democratic)April McClain Delaney (Democratic)Donald Norcross (Democratic)Sam T. Liccardo (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)John Garamendi (Democratic)Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Chris Pappas (Democratic)Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Steny H. Hoyer (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Guy Reschenthaler (Republican)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican)Bill Foster (Democratic)Patrick Ryan (Democratic)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Zachary Nunn (Republican)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Laura Gillen (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Mike Carey (Republican)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Juan Vargas (Democratic)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Young Kim (Republican)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Paul Tonko (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Janelle S. Bynum (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Greg Casar (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Danny K. Davis (Democratic)Brian Jack (Republican)Vicente Gonzalez (Democratic)Jake Auchincloss (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)Greg Stanton (Democratic)George Latimer (Democratic)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Derek Tran (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)Christopher H. Smith (Republican)John B. Larson (Democratic)David P. Joyce (Republican)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Glenn Ivey (Democratic)Nancy Mace (Republican)Doris O. Matsui (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)James A. Himes (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Josh Harder (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Val T. Hoyle (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Nellie Pou (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Richard E. Neal (Democratic)Norma J. Torres (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Timothy M. Kennedy (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Lois Frankel (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Adam Smith (Democratic)Maggie Goodlander (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Seth Magaziner (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Juan Ciscomani (Republican)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Kevin Kiley (Republican)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Jared Moskowitz (Democratic)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Emily Randall (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Nick LaLota (Republican)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Jason Crow (Democratic)George Whitesides (Democratic)Frank Pallone (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Susie Lee (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Herbert C. Conaway (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)Vern Buchanan (Republican)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 aims to significantly amend the Animal Welfare Act by imposing new, stringent requirements on dog dealers to ensure the humane treatment of dogs. These amendments introduce detailed standards for various aspects of canine care and welfare, building upon existing regulations. Specifically, the bill mandates improved housing conditions, including completely solid flooring, sufficient indoor space for dogs to stand on their hind legs, and minimum indoor floor space requirements based on dog size. It also prohibits stacked enclosures and requires appropriate temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Dealers must provide appropriate and nutritious food at least twice daily and continuous access to potable, uncontaminated water. The legislation further requires adequate exercise for dogs over 12 weeks, specifying an accessible, ground-level, solid-surface outdoor area that allows for full stride and mentally stimulating behaviors, with restrictions only during nighttime or severe weather. Dogs must also receive at least 30 minutes of meaningful socialization daily with humans and compatible dogs, excluding veterinary care time. Regarding veterinary care, dealers must provide prompt treatment for minor injuries and ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment by a licensed veterinarian for significant illnesses. Annual hands-on examinations, core vaccinations, and medications for parasite prevention are also mandated. The bill introduces strict safe breeding practices, including screening for inheritable diseases and prohibiting breeding of unhealthy dogs. Breeding limitations include no more than two litters in a 25-month period or six litters in a dog's lifetime. Female dogs of small breeds cannot be bred before 18 months or after 9 years, while large breeds have limits of 2 years and 7 years, respectively. All canine caesarian sections must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Finally, dealers are required to make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs, excluding sale at auction or placement with another breeder for breeding purposes. The Secretary is directed to issue final regulations establishing these standards within 18 months of the Act's enactment.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-2442
Puppy Protection Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2840
Puppy Protection Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1624
Puppy Protection Act of 2023
Mar 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Apr 4, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-2442
    Puppy Protection Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2840
    Puppy Protection Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1624
    Puppy Protection Act of 2023


  • March 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.


  • April 4, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Animals

Puppy Protection Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-2253| House 
| Updated: 4/4/2025
The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 aims to significantly amend the Animal Welfare Act by imposing new, stringent requirements on dog dealers to ensure the humane treatment of dogs. These amendments introduce detailed standards for various aspects of canine care and welfare, building upon existing regulations. Specifically, the bill mandates improved housing conditions, including completely solid flooring, sufficient indoor space for dogs to stand on their hind legs, and minimum indoor floor space requirements based on dog size. It also prohibits stacked enclosures and requires appropriate temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Dealers must provide appropriate and nutritious food at least twice daily and continuous access to potable, uncontaminated water. The legislation further requires adequate exercise for dogs over 12 weeks, specifying an accessible, ground-level, solid-surface outdoor area that allows for full stride and mentally stimulating behaviors, with restrictions only during nighttime or severe weather. Dogs must also receive at least 30 minutes of meaningful socialization daily with humans and compatible dogs, excluding veterinary care time. Regarding veterinary care, dealers must provide prompt treatment for minor injuries and ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment by a licensed veterinarian for significant illnesses. Annual hands-on examinations, core vaccinations, and medications for parasite prevention are also mandated. The bill introduces strict safe breeding practices, including screening for inheritable diseases and prohibiting breeding of unhealthy dogs. Breeding limitations include no more than two litters in a 25-month period or six litters in a dog's lifetime. Female dogs of small breeds cannot be bred before 18 months or after 9 years, while large breeds have limits of 2 years and 7 years, respectively. All canine caesarian sections must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Finally, dealers are required to make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs, excluding sale at auction or placement with another breeder for breeding purposes. The Secretary is directed to issue final regulations establishing these standards within 18 months of the Act's enactment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-2442
Puppy Protection Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2840
Puppy Protection Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1624
Puppy Protection Act of 2023
Mar 21, 2025
Introduced in House
Mar 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Apr 4, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-2442
    Puppy Protection Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2840
    Puppy Protection Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1624
    Puppy Protection Act of 2023


  • March 21, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • March 21, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.


  • April 4, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Republican Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (201)
John W. Mannion (Democratic)Dwight Evans (Democratic)April McClain Delaney (Democratic)Donald Norcross (Democratic)Sam T. Liccardo (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Becca Balint (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)John Garamendi (Democratic)Jonathan L. Jackson (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Chris Pappas (Democratic)Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Marc A. Veasey (Democratic)Steny H. Hoyer (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Guy Reschenthaler (Republican)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Julie Johnson (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Joyce Beatty (Democratic)Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican)Bill Foster (Democratic)Patrick Ryan (Democratic)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Sanford D. Bishop (Democratic)Zachary Nunn (Republican)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Pete Aguilar (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Laura Gillen (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Mike Carey (Republican)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Juan Vargas (Democratic)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Young Kim (Republican)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)J. Luis Correa (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Madeleine Dean (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Paul Tonko (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Janelle S. Bynum (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Greg Casar (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Danny K. Davis (Democratic)Brian Jack (Republican)Vicente Gonzalez (Democratic)Jake Auchincloss (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Ro Khanna (Democratic)Greg Stanton (Democratic)George Latimer (Democratic)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Jasmine Crockett (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Derek Tran (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Brendan F. Boyle (Democratic)Christopher H. Smith (Republican)John B. Larson (Democratic)David P. Joyce (Republican)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Glenn Ivey (Democratic)Nancy Mace (Republican)Doris O. Matsui (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)James A. Himes (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Ami Bera (Democratic)Josh Harder (Democratic)Mark Takano (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Kathy Castor (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Val T. Hoyle (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Nellie Pou (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Richard E. Neal (Democratic)Norma J. Torres (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)Timothy M. Kennedy (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Lois Frankel (Democratic)Donald S. Beyer (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)Adam Smith (Democratic)Maggie Goodlander (Democratic)Julia Brownley (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Cleo Fields (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Seth Magaziner (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Yvette D. Clarke (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Juan Ciscomani (Republican)Lori Trahan (Democratic)Kevin Kiley (Republican)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)Jared Moskowitz (Democratic)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Emily Randall (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Nick LaLota (Republican)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Jason Crow (Democratic)George Whitesides (Democratic)Frank Pallone (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)Jimmy Gomez (Democratic)Susie Lee (Democratic)Grace Meng (Democratic)Valerie P. Foushee (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)Veronica Escobar (Democratic)Herbert C. Conaway (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)Vern Buchanan (Republican)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee

Animals

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted