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SB 312

Department of Economic Development; establishment of the Georgia Peach Walk of Fame Advisory Council; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 16 co-sponsors

SB 312 requires health certificates for imported dogs in California, ensuring they are disease-free, while streamlining compliance for sellers and veterinarians.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 312

Summary of SB 312: Dog Importation and Health Certificates

Bill Number: SB 312
Title: Dog Importation: Health Certificates
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 480, Statutes of 2025.
Introduced: April 08, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Dog Importation, Health Certificates

Purpose and Intent

SB 312 aims to streamline the process for importing dogs into California for resale or change of ownership by modifying the requirements for health certificates. The bill seeks to enhance public health and safety by ensuring that imported dogs are healthy and free from communicable diseases.

Key Provisions

  • Health Certificate Requirement:

    • Individuals selling, transporting, or importing dogs into California must obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.
    • The health certificate must be dated no more than 10 days prior to the dog's arrival in the state.
    • The certificate must include specific information, such as:
    • Date of examination
    • Statement of health regarding infectious or communicable diseases
    • Vaccination history, including rabies immunization (unless exempt due to age or health)
    • Description of each dog (breed, age, sex)
    • Microchip number (if applicable)
    • Physical addresses for both the origin and destination of the dog
    • Contact information for both the consignor and the buyer
    • USDA license number of the breeder (if applicable)

  • Public Record Designation:

    • The health certificates will be designated as public records, available for disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
    • The Department of Food and Agriculture is required to retain these health certificates for five years.

  • Electronic Submission:

    • Health certificates must be submitted electronically to both the Department of Food and Agriculture and the buyer.

  • Repeal of Previous Requirements:

    • The bill repeals previous laws that required health certificates to be submitted to county health departments.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Dog sellers, transporters, and importers will need to comply with the new health certificate requirements.
    • Licensed veterinarians will be responsible for issuing the health certificates.
    • The Department of Food and Agriculture will oversee the implementation and compliance of these regulations.

  • Local Agencies:

    • The bill creates a state-mandated local program, but it specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts for costs incurred due to the new requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process:
    • The bill was passed with a majority vote and went through various committees before being signed into law.
    • It was chaptered on May 14, 2025, and is now part of the Food and Agricultural Code.

Conclusion

SB 312 modernizes the health certification process for dog importation in California, aiming to protect public health while simplifying compliance for stakeholders involved in the sale and transport of dogs. The changes are designed to ensure that dogs imported into the state are healthy and that the process is transparent and efficient.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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