(BOSTON 3/20/2026) — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday unanimously passed legislation to end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop pipeline by cutting off commercial sales of cats and dogs in Massachusetts pet stores.

The bill, nicknamed the PETS Act, would also end harsh, unnecessary testing of animal subjects for non-medical purposes; boost animal wellbeing; and make responsible pet ownership possible for more people.

“Yesterday’s unanimous, bipartisan vote to pass the PETS Act is a testament to the Senate’s commitment to protecting animals here in the Commonwealth. Ending the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, banning unnecessary animal testing, bolstering anti-cruelty penalties, and establishing protections for pet owners in public housing are all important steps toward improving life both for Bay Staters and our furry friends,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m proud to support legislation like this, and I can’t wait to go further to defend animal welfare in Massachusetts. My bill banning pet ownership for five years following an individual’s animal abuse conviction and another requiring courts consider a pet’s wellbeing during divorce proceedings unfortunately did not make it into this legislation – but I am committed to continuing to advocate for these important policies.”

Under S.3014, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety, pet shops could display animals from nonprofits for adoption, but for‑profit sales – often linked to large commercial breeders known as puppy mills –would be banned. A growing number of states have banned the sale of cats and dogs in licensed retail pet stores.

To make pet ownership possible for more Massachusetts residents, the PETS Act would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to create a uniform pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing. Public housing facilities would be prohibited from discriminating based on a pet’s breed or size. The legislation’s breed acceptance measures go further by prohibiting homeowner insurance companies from factoring a dog’s breed into underwriting, rating, or renewal decisions.

To promote animal welfare, the bill would prohibit manufacturers from subjecting animals to unnecessary chemical testing for non-medical research, sparing innocent animals from harsh conditions. It would also extend a state law which protects dogs from cruelty to cover all household pets, ensuring adequate food, water, and sanitary conditions. The legislation would also protect livestock and other animals by adding civil penalties to enforce existing anti-cruelty statutes.

During today’s session, Senators amended the bill to expand the 2022 research animal protection law and apply its provisions to all research facilities that test on dogs and cats, beyond the law’s original focus on higher education facilities. The law requires facilities to assess the health of former animal test subjects and then, if appropriate, make them available for adoption as pets.

The Senate passed the bill on a 38-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.

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