AKC Position Statements
Issue Analyses
Bans On Retail Pet Sales Fail To Protect Pets, Undermine Responsible Pet Choice
Talking Points
Retails Bans Undermine Consumer Choice
Consumer Protection Laws Protect the Public and Animals
Blogs
AKC: Responsible choice, consumer protection laws protect pets better than pet store sales bans
Pet store ban would harm dog owners
USDA APHIS Releases Q&A Guidance Document on Retail Pet Store Rule and Dog Importation
Retail pet sales bans/ restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to actually help dogs. A better solution is to consider broad consumer protection and cruelty laws that hold all accountable who sell or transport dogs, while allowing owners to choose the best pet for their family and lifestyle.
The AKC advocates for responsible dog ownership and supports strong enforcement of local and state animal cruelty laws as well as the federal Animal Welfare Act, which provides consistent minimum standards of care, regulatory oversight and inspections of pet breeders, dealers, and other animal handlers.
The AKC-affiliated clubs operate America’s largest purebred rescue network, and for over 130 years AKC has been proud to be the only non-profit purebred registry devoted to the health and well-being and of all dogs. Our strong commitment to responsible dog ownership and the well-being of all dogs, and our expertise with both rescue and purpose-bred dogs compels us to weigh in on misinformation and arbitrary proposals to ban the sale of purpose-bred pets.
Truly advancing responsible dog ownership and protecting pets from negligence or cruelty is a complex and nuanced issue that cannot be solved or ameliorated with the passage of an arbitrary law banning purpose-bred pet sales.
Harmful and unintended consequences of pet sales bans include: