New GA law says no to selling these animals as pets. Here are the details

As of July 1, Georgia House Bill 331 has gone into effect, prohibiting the transfer of specific domestic animals for anything of value in certain public areas anywhere in the state. Here is everything you need to know about the bill, its purpose and its effects on aspiring pet owners.

Purpose of the bill

On May 9, 2025, the Georgia House Bill 331, which amends Article 1 of the Georgia Animal Protection Act, was passed, adding a new code section that prohibits the selling, adopting, exchanging or advertising the exchange of common domestic animals in specific commercial areas. The animals not allowed in these exchanges are dogs, cats and domestic rabbits.

This bill was passed to prevent illegal and unsafe pet sales with the intention of helping reduce animal exploitation. A specific recurring sales event impacted by this would be puppy mills, or establishments that breed puppies for sale. The nature of these sales is often cruel, and the conditions in which dogs are bred and kept are dire, posing risks to both dogs and unsuspecting buyers.

Where are exchanges prohibited?

The few domestic pets listed in the bill are specifically prohibited from trade and exchange in several outdoor or public areas. The public locations where said exchange of domestic animals is not allowed include:

• Roadsides

• Parking lots

• Sidewalks

• Parks

• Flea markets

With these restrictions, Georgia residents are being further encouraged to maintain the practice of ethical pet adoption within accredited establishments under safe parameters.

Consequences of bill violations and exceptions

While jail time is not one of the charges for violating the code set by the bill, fines are still in place for those who choose to continue the sale of these animals, according to the bill.

• First offense: $100 fine

• Second offense: $250 fine

• Third or subsequent offenses: $500 fine

• Corporation offenses: Fines up to $1,000 or 200 to 500 hours of community service

Multiple violations of the code by the same person in the same event shall be treated as a single offense. The Code section will not apply in certain circumstances, including:

• The transfer of listed domestic animals by a person or entity that has, upon request, a valid animal shelter license issued by the department.

• Any transfer that takes place at a residence or inside a veterinarian’s office or other business establishment.

• The transfer of any listed domestic animal as part of an event or show sanctioned by a national breed club or association, 4-H program, or agricultural exhibitions.

• The prearranged transfer between any listed domestic animal seller and a specific purchaser that takes place at a police department, sheriff’s office, or other similar law enforcement facility during daylight hours, unless otherwise prohibited.

An animal control officer who is an employee of state or local government, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or peace officer, is authorized to enforce the provisions of the Code section and to impound an animal subject to a transfer in violation of it.