A new House bill would eliminate the retail sale of cats and dogs and, instead, encourage animal service agencies and pet stores to work together in promoting adoption.

HB 2344, sponsored by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D–Poulsbo), would impose criminal penalties on retail pet stores selling cats and dogs. However, the store could collaborate with animal care agencies to offer space to showcase adoptable cats and dogs. The animal care agency would be required to:

• Post signage at each animal’s cage that identifies the animal service agency and includes contact information for the agency.
• Ensure that all animals receive necessary veterinary care and medical treatment before placing the animal.
• Create a methodology to determine suitable matches between the adopting party and available animals.
• Require adopting parties to sign an adoption contract outlining the process for returning the animal if the party finds they cannot properly care for the animal.
• Provide the adopting party with the most up-to-date medical information, vaccination records, and behavioral testing documentation at the time of adoption.
• Ensure that the adopted animal is spayed or neutered before releasing the animal to the adopting party.

Dates to remember

HB 2344 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee at 8 am on Friday, January 31.