Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a voluntary "Pet Quality Assurance" licensing process for individuals who sell, give away, or transfer a cumulative total of 35 or more dogs or cats (or combination of dogs and cats) in any calendar year.

Highlights:

-Requires any person who voluntarily obtains a "Pet Quality Assurance" license to comply with all requirements contained in this bill and rules issued pursuant to this bill (Sec. 16). -Requires the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to do the following before issuing or renewing a license (Sec 16):

-Inspect the relevant facilities, animals, and breeding operation; and -Review the relevant husbandry and breeding protocol, veterinary health care protocol, and signed veterinarian of record affidavit.

-Requires any person holding a license to do the following (Sec. 16):

-"Conspicuously" display it on the relevant premises; -Display the license number and USDA permit number, if applicable, on all correspondence, advertisements, web pages, e-mails, or any other form of information dissemination; and -Provide a copy of the license in any transaction involving the sale, giveaway, or transfer of a dog or cat to the person obtaining the animal.

-Prohibits the issuance of a license to any person who has had a USDA license suspended, revoked, or refused due to "improper" care of animals, to any person who has been convicted, plead guilty, or plead nolo contendere to a violation of any law or regulation involving an animal health or welfare component, or to any person in the household of a person who meets the aforementioned criteria (Sec. 16).

Full Bill Text