This bill establishes the Companion Animal Board in Minnesota, which will oversee the welfare of companion animals such as cats and dogs. The board will take over the licensing and inspection responsibilities for kennels and commercial breeders from the Board of Animal Health, effective July 1, 2026. Comprising 13 members appointed by the governor, the board will have the authority to create rules, administer grants, and provide education on responsible pet ownership. It will also be responsible for publishing annual reports and may create an advisory task force to support its mission. The bill includes provisions for a companion animal account, with appropriations of $2,854,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $3,057,000 for fiscal year 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the appointment of board members and veterinary protocols for commercial breeders. It specifies that appointments to fill unexpired terms must come from the same classes as the retiring members and requires the board to elect a president and vice-president. The bill mandates that commercial breeders develop a written veterinary protocol for disease control and care, which must be updated annually and shared with the Board of Animal Health. Animals sold by breeders will need to be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate, and the Companion Animal Board will report disease-related testing to the Board of Animal Health. These provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the veterinary protocol requirements will be effective January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 35.02, 347.58