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.
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.
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.
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See how Berkeley's pet store rules rules stack up against other locations.
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