The proposed bill establishes the Companion Animal Board in Minnesota, which will oversee the welfare of companion animals such as cats and dogs. This board will take over responsibilities related to the licensing and inspection of kennels and commercial breeders from the Board of Animal Health. It will consist of 13 members appointed by the governor and will be tasked with regulatory enforcement, education, and administering a grant program to support animal welfare initiatives. The board is also required to publish annual reports and may adopt necessary rules to fulfill its responsibilities. The effective date for the establishment of the board and the transfer of duties is set for July 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to enhance protocols for commercial breeders, requiring them to develop written disease control and veterinary care protocols overseen by the Companion Animal Board. These protocols must be updated annually and signed, with a copy provided to the Board of Animal Health. Furthermore, animals sold by breeders must include a veterinary health certificate confirming their health status and vaccination records. The effective date for these specific provisions is January 1, 2026. The bill also outlines changes to the appointment process for the board overseeing animal health, including the election of a president and vice-president and the appointment of a licensed veterinarian as the executive director for a one-year term, with these changes taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 35.02, 347.58