Governor Newsom Signs Pet Insurance Reform and Animal Welfare Bills
Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed two bills focused on animal welfare and supporting pet owners, demonstrating his administration’s ongoing commitment to these issues. The new laws address the challenges of rising pet care costs and the need for accessible spay and neuter services to combat overcrowding in animal shelters.
Every pet deserves a loving home, and pets enrich the lives of their owners. However, the financial burdens of pet ownership and the increasing number of animals in need of homes require targeted action, and that’s what these bills represent.
Key Legislation:
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SB 1217: Introduced by Senator Steven Glazer (D-Orinda), this bill strengthens consumer protections concerning pet insurance. It mandates greater transparency from pet insurers regarding coverage changes or premium adjustments based on a pet’s age or the geographic location, making it easier for owners to understand their policies.
The bill also clarifies how pre-existing conditions are handled and specifies the distinction between wellness programs and insurance, providing consumers with more clarity. It also includes a requirement for insurance coverage to be in place within two days of the complete application and payment, streamlining the process.
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SB 1233: Authored by Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), this legislation authorizes a California veterinary medical school to establish a high-quality spay and neuter certification program. This program is designed to increase access to low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter services for pet owners.
This effort complements AB 1983, sponsored by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego), which Newsom signed earlier this year. AB 1983 established the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund. Californians can voluntarily donate a portion of their tax returns to this fund, which then provides grants for spay and neuter services.
Broader Impact of the Bills and Previous Animal Welfare Efforts
These bills build on a history of protecting animals and supporting pet owners in California. Governor Newsom has previously signed several measures that protect animal welfare.
Some of these measures include:
- Ending the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in California.
- Prohibiting toxicity testing on dogs and cats.
- Banning the sale of new fur products.
- Restricting the use of animals such as elephants and bears in circus acts.
- Banning the hunting, trapping, or killing of bobcats.
The Governor has additionally signed measures to:
- Mandate natural disaster evacuation plans as a requirement for obtaining a kennel license or permit.
- Facilitate the emotional support dog certification process for homeless individuals.
- Require shelters to microchip all reclaimed or adopted cats and dogs, and expanding microchip registration requirements.
Moreover, the 2021-22 and 2020-21 state budgets allocated $50 million for a statewide Animal Shelter Assistance Program administered by UC Davis. The program aims to provide the state’s animal shelters with essential training and resources necessary to achieve the goal of becoming a no-kill state for animal shelters.
