The Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish strict new care standards for dog dealers and breeders. The legislation requires dealers to provide adequate housing with solid flooring, minimum space requirements based on dog size, temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, twice-daily feeding, and continuous access to clean water. Dogs over 12 weeks old must have daily outdoor exercise access and receive at least 30 minutes of daily socialization with humans and other dogs, along with comprehensive veterinary care including annual exams and vaccinations. The bill also sets breeding restrictions, including screening for hereditary diseases before breeding, limiting female dogs to no more than 2 litters per 18 months or 6 litters lifetime, and setting minimum and maximum breeding ages based on breed size. Additionally, dealers must make reasonable efforts to find humane placements for retired breeding dogs rather than selling them at auction. The Secretary of Agriculture has 18 months from enactment to issue final regulations implementing these standards.
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