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 responsibilities related to the licensing and inspection of kennels and commercial breeders from the Board of Animal Health. Comprising 13 members appointed by the governor, the board will represent various stakeholders, including veterinary medicine and animal shelters. It will also have the authority to create an advisory task force and will be responsible for providing education, resources, and grants to support companion animal welfare. The bill allocates funding of $2,854,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $3,057,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund, and mandates the publication of an annual report detailing the board's activities.

Additionally, the bill amends the appointment process for board members and establishes new protocols for commercial breeders regarding animal health and care. It requires that appointments to fill unexpired terms come from the same classes as retiring members and mandates the election of a president, vice-president, and an executive director who must be a licensed veterinarian in Minnesota. The executive director will serve a one-year term, with duties defined by the board. The bill also enhances veterinary protocols for commercial breeders, requiring them to develop a written protocol for disease control and care, which must be updated annually and submitted to the Board of Animal Health. Animals sold by breeders must include a veterinary health certificate, and the Companion Animal Board is tasked with reporting disease-related testing to the Board of Animal Health. The effective date for the establishment of the board and the transfer of duties is set for July 1, 2026, with certain provisions taking effect earlier.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 35.02, 347.58