The Overview

If you've ever walked into a Delaware pet store hoping to take home a puppy or kitten, the rules are about to change. Delaware's governor signed a law on July 23 that bars retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats, but it does not take effect until six months after enactment, around January 2027. ​

Delaware's House Bill 131, a pet store ban on retail dog and cat sales, became law when Gov. Matt Meyer (D) signed it July 23. The Associated Press reported that undercover footage from USDA-licensed commercial dog breeders showed dogs in cramped, dirty conditions, and that some puppies sold to pet stores arrived sick, with buyers possibly unaware of how the dogs were raised. The law takes effect six months after enactment, around Jan. 23, 2027.

What the Law Does

Retail pet stores are prohibited from selling dogs or cats. Stores may still partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations to offer space where animals can be showcased for adoption. That means a pet store can still have dogs and cats on the premises, but only as part of an adoption arrangement, not a sale. Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare enforces the law, and retailers face a civil penalty of up to $500 for each prohibited sale.

Legislative Status

Rep. Kim Williams, a Democrat, sponsored the bill with 11 other lead sponsors, including John "Jack" Walsh, Marie Pinkney, Eric Morrison, Claire Snyder-Hall and Melanie Ross Levin.

The House first passed the bill 33-4 on Jan. 20; the Senate passed it 15-6 on June 16; the House then passed it again 41-0 on June 18, picking up eight more yes votes and losing all four no votes from the first round. The unanimous final House tally followed the opening vote, when four members voted no.

Humane Animal Partners called HB 131 "a meaningful step toward protecting animals and consumers," while the Pet Advocacy Network urged lawmakers to reject it, saying it would bar pet stores from selling dogs and cats from professional breeders.

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