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Bill

A 6985

Requires the commissioner of agriculture and markets to establish licensing and educational standards for individuals providing canine training for non-service and non-police dogs

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Ra

Licensing and education standards for non-service/non-police dog trainers to protect owners and dogs and standardize the field.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 6985

Summary: Assembly Bill A 6985

Overview

Bill A 6985 would require the commissioner of agriculture and markets to establish licensing and educational standards for individuals who provide canine training services for dogs that are not service dogs and not police dogs. Introduced on March 18, 2025, the bill is currently REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Edward Ra. A companion bill exists in the Senate as S 7723.

Purpose and Intent

  • To professionalize the field of canine training for non-service/non-police dogs.
  • To protect consumers and dogs by ensuring trainers meet standardized education and licensing requirements.
  • To provide a clear regulatory framework for training services offered to the public.

Key Provisions (High-Level)

While the full text would detail the specifics, the bill would generally be expected to authorize the commissioner to:
- Establish a licensing program for individuals providing non-service/non-police canine training.
- Set minimum educational and/or pre-licensing standards for trainers (e.g., coursework, demonstrated competence, or certification prerequisites).
- Define the scope of practice for licensed trainers and regulate related activities (e.g., coaching, behavior modification plans, daycare/trainings programs).
- Create a process for licensure application, renewal, and associated fees.
- Require continuing education or periodic certification updates to maintain licensure.
- Provide enforcement mechanisms for unlicensed practice, including penalties or corrective actions.
- Include exemptions (e.g., certain individuals or settings) and provisions for grandfathering or transitional allowances, if applicable.
- Regulate advertising, representations, and consumer disclosures by licensed trainers.
- Outline rulemaking responsibilities and timelines for implementing the licensing program.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals and businesses providing canine training services to the general public for non-service/non-police dogs.
  • Dog owners and clients seeking training services, who would benefit from standardized qualifications and consumer protections.
  • Organizations and associations of dog trainers if they participate in credentialing or professional development.
  • The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets (or equivalent regulatory body) responsible for administering licensing and standards.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Status indicates the bill has been referred to the Agriculture committee, signaling the starting point for committee analysis, potential hearings, and amendments.
  • If enacted, the department would be charged with rulemaking to implement licensing standards; exact timelines would be set during the regulatory process and subsequent legislative approvals.
  • The companion Senate bill S 7723 would parallel the Assembly’s approach and may advance concurrently or influence amendments.

Legislative Status and Action

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Assembly Sponsor: Edward Ra (primary)
  • Status: REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
  • Related: Senate companion S 7723

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive: Improved consumer protection, greater professional consistency, and enhanced welfare standards for dogs.
  • Negative/Costs: Compliance costs for trainers and potential impacts on small training businesses; regulatory burden during licensing implementation.
  • Market effects: Possible consolidation or increased formal training pathways; changes in competition depending on licensure requirements.

Next Steps

  • Monitor committee deliberations in the Assembly Agriculture Committee.
  • Review the full text for precise licensing criteria, exemptions, fees, and enforcement details.
  • Track the companion Senate action on S 7723 for coordinated policy developments.

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

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