H.B. No. 3458 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 or offering for sale any dogs or cats. Instead, pet stores may provide space for animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations to showcase dogs or cats for adoption, provided they do not have ownership interests in the animals or receive fees for the space. The bill also defines key terms such as "animal care facility," "animal rescue organization," "breeder," and "broker," to clarify the entities involved in the sale and adoption of pets.

Additionally, the bill imposes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations, with fines not exceeding $500 per day for each dog or cat sold or offered for sale in violation of the prohibition. The enforcement of these penalties can be pursued by the attorney general or local district attorneys. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

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