1670.13.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) “Broker” means a person who buys, sells, or offers to sell dogs or cats for resale to another person or entity.
(2) “Police dog” means a dog used by a peace officer in the discharge or attempted discharge of their duties and includes, but is not limited to, a search and rescue dog or a passive alert dog.
(3) “Service animal” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 113903 of the Health and Safety Code.
(b) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2025, to transfer ownership of a dog or cat that is offered, negotiated, brokered, or otherwise arranged by a broker and where the buyer is located in California is void as against public policy if any of the following circumstances apply:
(1) The contract requires a nonrefundable deposit.
(2) The contract does not identify the original source of the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, the breeder.
(c) A contract entered into on or after January 1, 2025, between a broker and a buyer who is located in California shall include the following information:
(1) The broker is required to disclose the original source of the dog or cat involved in the contract.
(2) The broker is prohibited from requiring a nonrefundable deposit.
(d) If money has been exchanged pursuant to a contract that is void pursuant to this section, the seller shall refund the money to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice that the contract is void pursuant to this section.
(e) A person shall not offer a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c).
(f) A person who offers a contract that contains a term that violates subdivision (b) or (c) may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction.
(1) A buyer harmed by a violation may bring a civil action pursuant to this subdivision against any person in violation.
(2) A prevailing plaintiff in an action brought pursuant to this subdivision shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit a contract for the transfer of ownership of an animal trained as a service animal or a police dog.