This bill establishes new regulations for animal care centers, mandating that they notify dog owners when their dogs will be left unattended and if the center lacks a functioning fire protection sprinkler system. It requires these centers to report any injuries to animals or people occurring on their premises and empowers local law enforcement to conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance with care standards, including cleanliness and adequate shelter. A new certification requirement is introduced for animal care centers, which must be renewed biennially for a fee of $100. Additionally, operators must provide written notice to dog owners if they do not carry liability insurance, and noncompliance can result in citations or temporary closure of the center.

The bill also mandates annual unannounced inspections and investigations into injury reports, which must be published online if enforcement action is taken. The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food (DAMF) anticipates generating state revenue from certification fees, while municipalities may face increased administrative and enforcement costs due to these new requirements. The financial impact on municipalities is indeterminable, as it varies based on the number of animal care centers and the volume of investigations. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2027.