Santa Ana, CA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- AB 485, since 2019
- Sources allowed
- Shelter or registered rescue
- Per-violation fine
- 500 dollars
- Pre-sale
- Spay, neuter, microchip required
Summary
California AB 485 prohibits pet stores statewide from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless sourced from a public shelter or registered rescue. Santa Ana retailers must comply, post sourcing signs at each enclosure, and keep paperwork available for inspection by city or state staff.
(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.
Full Breakdown
Effective since 2019 under California Health and Safety Code section 122354.5, every retail pet store in Santa Ana selling dogs, cats, or rabbits must obtain those animals from a public animal control agency or 501(c)(3) rescue partner. Each enclosure must be posted with the source agency name and the animal must be available for purchase only if it has been spayed, neutered, and microchipped. Santa Ana inspectors and OC Animal Care officers verify compliance, and the California Department of Public Health and Attorney General can pursue additional enforcement. Stores selling pet supplies and offering adoption events from approved rescues remain fully compliant.
Violations & Fines
Each unlawful sale is a 500 dollar civil penalty under state law, with additional citations possible under SAMC business licensing for repeat offenses or false sourcing documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Santa Ana pet store still sell dogs?
Are private breeders affected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Ana
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Ana to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Pet Store Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle pet store rules.