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Anaheim, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State law
AB 485 / HSC 122354.5
Allowed sources
Shelters, nonprofit rescues
Source labeling
Required on enclosure
Penalty
$500 per animal

Summary

Anaheim pet stores must comply with California AB 485, which prohibits retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits unless sourced from public shelters or qualifying nonprofit rescues, eliminating commercial puppy mill pipelines.

122354.5. (a) A pet store shall not adopt out, sell, or offer for sale a dog, cat, or rabbit. This section does not prevent a pet store from providing space to display animals for adoption in accordance with subdivision (b). (b) (1) A pet store shall not provide space for the display of dogs, cats, or rabbits available for adoption unless the animals are displayed by either a public animal control agency or shelter, or animal rescue group. (2) Any animal displayed for adoption shall be both sterilized and adoptable for total fees, including, but not limited to, adoption fees, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). (3) The pet store displaying dogs, cats, or rabbits pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not receive any fees in connection with the display of dogs, cats, or rabbits. (c) A public animal control agency or shelter, an animal rescue group displaying animals at a pet store, or an animal rescue group operating a retail establishment shall not offer dogs, cats, or rabbits for adoption unless the animals are sterilized, the animals are adoptable for total fees, including, but not limited to, adoption fees, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), and the animals are not received from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.

Source: CA Health & Safety Code 122354.5View official code

Full Breakdown

California Health and Safety Code section 122354.5, enacted via AB 485 effective 2019, bans Anaheim pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, or rabbits. Retailers may only display animals received from public animal control agencies, shelters, or nonprofit rescue partners, and must post the originating shelter name on each enclosure. Records must be kept for one year and made available for inspection. Anaheim Code Enforcement and OC Animal Care conduct compliance checks at pet retail businesses. Violations carry $500 civil penalties per animal. Private breeders and adoption events at the store are still permitted.

Violations & Fines

Selling commercially bred dogs, cats, or rabbits, failing to post source agency labels, or refusing inspection records exposes retailers to $500-per-animal civil penalties under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Anaheim pet stores sell purebred puppies?
Not from commercial breeders. Stores may only offer dogs, cats, or rabbits from shelters or qualifying nonprofit rescues under AB 485.
Can I still buy from a private breeder?
Yes. AB 485 only restricts retail pet stores. Private breeders may sell directly to buyers off-site.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anaheim

All Anaheim rules

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