Berkeley, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- AB 485 (2019)
- Allowed sources
- Shelters and registered rescues
- Records
- Kept one year minimum
- Penalty cap
- 500 dollars per violation
Summary
Berkeley pet stores may sell dogs, cats, and rabbits only if sourced from public shelters or registered nonprofit rescues, mirroring California AB 485 and reinforcing the city humane sourcing policy.
(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 adoption fees are posted and visible to the public on or near the enclosures or areas where adoptable animals are displayed. (d) (1) Each violation of subdivision (a), (b), or (c) shall result in a single written notice to the pet store and any public animal control agency, shelter, or animal rescue group responsible for the animal that is the subject of the violation.
Full Breakdown
California Assembly Bill 485, in effect since 2019, prohibits retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits from commercial breeders, requiring stores to partner with shelters or rescues and to post sourcing information. Berkeley enforces this state mandate through its zoning and business licensing pathways and inspects pet stores for compliance. Stores must keep records identifying each animal source for at least one year and must allow inspection by city or state officials. Berkeley further encourages adoption events with Berkeley Animal Care Services and East Bay rescue partners. Direct breeder sales of these three species inside city limits are barred.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties up to 500 dollars per violation under state law, plus potential business license action by Berkeley for repeated noncompliance with sourcing or recordkeeping rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Berkeley pet store sell breeder puppies?
Are private breeder sales allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle pet store rules.