Senate Bill No. 1652 introduces new regulations regarding the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores in Texas. The bill establishes Chapter 206 in the Business & Commerce Code, which prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats, with specific exceptions for showcasing animals from certain entities, such as animal control agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding homes for homeless pets. These entities must not breed animals or obtain them for compensation, and pet stores are not allowed to have ownership interests in the showcased animals or charge fees for the space provided.

Additionally, the bill imposes civil penalties for violations, allowing the state to charge pet stores up to $500 per day for each dog or cat sold or offered for sale in violation of the new regulations. The attorney general is authorized to take legal action to collect these penalties or seek injunctions against violators. The law will apply only to dogs and cats obtained by pet stores after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that previous transactions are governed by the existing laws at that time.

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