Bill · H.R. 8627· House(119-HR-8627)
Petfax Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/30/2026
- Last activity
- 4/30/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Deborah Ross
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Petfax Act of 2026 aims to improve honesty regarding the sale of dogs and cats. It requires covered sellers to provide purchasers with specific information about the animal's source and health history. The bill prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, specifically misrepresenting the source of an animal or whether it came from a high-volume breeder. Additionally, it implements stricter rules for issuing or renewing dealer licenses following a suspension or revocation. These new rules include a 10-year bar for certain individuals and entities associated with previously sanctioned facilities.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill requires pet sellers to disclose detailed health histories and source information to prevent deceptive sales.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill mandates the disclosure of dealer history and animal health records to ensure consumer transparency.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
Enhanced consumer protections help prevent fraudulent purchases of high-cost pets.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency for Buyers: Covered sellers must provide detailed information regarding the source of the dog or cat, including the dealer's name, address, license number, and the number of animals bred and sold in the last two years (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
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Access to Violation History: Purchasers will receive a listing and description of any Animal Welfare Act violations committed by the dealer or seller during the prior two years (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).
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Health Information Protection: Sellers are required to provide essential health details, such as the date of birth, veterinarian examination history, a list of vaccines, and any known congenital deformities, diseases, or conditions (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Accountability for Non-Profits: If a non-profit organization acquires an animal for financial consideration, they must disclose that fact and the amount paid, along with the name of the previous owner if known (Section 2(d)).
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Prevention of Deceptive Sales: The bill makes it unlawful to misrepresent whether an animal was bred by or acquired from a high-volume breeder (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Prevention of License Circumvention: The Act prevents individuals or entities from attempting to bypass license revocations by transferring operations to family members or different legal entities at the same location (Section 4(b)(1) and 4(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Information Burden for Non-Profits: Organizations involved in animal adoption or rescue that acquire animals for financial consideration must now disclose specific financial details and the previous owner's name (Section 2(d)).
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Regulatory Restrictions on Licensing: The bill imposes a 10-year bar on issuing or renewing licenses to persons who have had a license suspended or revoked, as well as to their immediate family members or people residing at the same address under certain conditions (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Restrictions on Legal Entities: Partnerships, corporations, or other legal entities may be denied licenses if an owner previously held a license at the same location that was suspended or revoked within the last 10 years (Section 4(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+1
- 4/30/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Vern BuchananRepublican · Florida