A new law could help shelter pets in New York find forever homes. Starting December 15, pet stores in the state will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. Instead, the law encourages pet shops to team up with shelters to host adoption events. 

Seven other states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, also have laws that restrict pet shops from selling certain animals. More than 475 towns and cities across the U.S. have similar laws. These laws are often meant to help more shelter pets find homes.

“There are not enough adoptions happening at shelters and rescues,” says Lindsay Hamrick. She works at the Humane Society of the United States. The organization helps protect animals. 

A new law could help shelter pets in New York find homes. Starting December 15, pet stores in the state won’t be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. Instead, the law pushes them to team up with animal shelters. Together, they’ll host adoption events. 

Seven other states have laws that restrict pet shops from selling certain animals. These include California, Illinois, and Maryland. More than 475 towns and cities in the U.S. have similar laws. These laws try to help more shelter pets find homes.

“There are not enough adoptions happening at shelters and rescues,” says Lindsay Hamrick. She works at the Humane Society of the United States. The group helps protect animals.

The puppies and kittens found in pet shops are often raised by breeders. These people sell the animals to the stores. Many breeders take good care of the animals.

But the new law is aimed at breeders who treat animals cruelly. They operate puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Animals born in mills might not be given proper medical care. They often have serious health problems. 

Hamrick explains that laws like the one in New York can have two big benefits.

“When people rescue a dog from a local shelter, they’re not only helping that animal,” Hamrick says. “They’re also taking away business from a puppy mill.”

The puppies and kittens at pet shops are often raised by breeders. Breeders sell the animals to the stores. Many take good care of the animals. 

But the new law addresses breeders who treat animals badly. They operate puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Animals born in mills often have serious health issues. 

Laws like the one in New York can have two big benefits. 

“When people rescue a dog from a local shelter, they’re not only helping that animal,” Hamrick says. “They’re also taking away business from a puppy mill.”