NEW GEORGIA LAW
O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1 (HB 331, 2025):
Prohibition on Transfers (Sales/Displays) of Dogs, Cats, and Domestic Rabbits in Public Areas
FAQS FOR O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1 AND SAMPLE LOCAL ORDINANCE TO EXPAND ENFORCEMENT OPTIONS
FAQ FLYER for Public & Businesses 8.1
OCGA 4-11-10.1 FAQ for LE, AC & Lawmakers 8.1
Pet Sales in Public Areas Ordinance DRAFT 8.1
GA Pet Coalition expresses our deep appreciation to State Representative Beth Camp and her cosponsors for successfully leading the effort to pass HB 331 in the state House and Senate.
Because of their compassionate and strong leadership, all Georgia cities and counties will now have the means to shut down illicit pet sales in unregulated transient and outdoor locations.
NEW GEORGIA LAW: O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1
Effective July 1, 2025
Prohibition on the Sale, Barter, and Display of Dogs, Cats, and Pet Rabbits in Public Areas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is it illegal to sell, barter, or display for a commercial purpose any dog, cat, or pet rabbit?
Illegal locations: Any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, public or commercial parking lot or sidewalk, park, recreation area, fair, transient or seasonal flea market, or similar transient market or outdoor location, regardless of whether such activity is otherwise authorized by any person or entity.
Will animal shelters and rescues be permitted to hold adoption events in these locations?
Yes. Animal shelters and rescue organizations that possess a valid shelter license issued by the GA Department of Agriculture and can produce it upon request are exempt under the new state law.
Where can law abiding breeders sell dogs, cats, and pet rabbits under the new state law?
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The breeder’s residence or business property, or inside a veterinarian’s office
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A prearranged transfer between a seller and a buyer that takes place at a law enforcement station parking lot (generally known as a “Safe Trading Zone”) during daylight hours, unless otherwise prohibited
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Transactions that are part of an event or show sanctioned by a national breed club or association, 4-H programs, or similar agricultural exhibitions
Does the new state law prohibit people from giving away animals?
No. The law does not apply to persons giving away animals (to prevent abandonment of unwanted pets).
Who is authorized to enforce violations of O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1?
Police, sheriff, and other officers with P.O.S.T. certification (Peace Officers Standards & Training) have the authority to enforce violations via a warning or an arrest warrant. In cities and counties with local ordinances prohibiting the same illegal conduct in O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1, both animal control and law enforcement officers can cite violations under their local code.
What are the penalties for violations of O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1?
Each animal will be considered a separate violation and treated as a separate misdemeanor offense, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-11-16. Fines are compounded as follows:
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For the first offense, $100
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For the second offense, $250
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For a third or subsequent offense, $500
For example, a person attempting to transfer four puppies in violation of this law would be charged with four separate misdemeanor violations. The maximum possible fine in this example would be $1,350 ($100 for the first puppy, plus $250 for the second puppy, plus $500 each for the third and fourth puppies).
How do citizens or businesses report violations?
Generally, calling 911 is the best approach to establish a record of the incident and complaint. In cities and counties with local ordinances prohibiting the same illegal conduct, animal control can be called.
Why is the new state law needed?
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Protects consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick, misrepresented, or genetically defective animals offered by transient pet sellers.
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Protects animals by increasing deterrents for illicit breeders who raise animals in neglectful conditions.
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Helps reduce the economic burden for animal control services and overcrowded shelters, due in part to reckless breeding and impulse purchases of pets.
GA Pet Coalition (June 2025)
ACTUAL STATE CODE LANGUAGE
O.C.G.A. § 4-11-10.1
4-11-10.1. Transfer of domestic animals along public areas; enforcement; fines.
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(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term:
(1) “Consideration” means anything of value, including, but not limited to, cash, credit, electronic payment, services, or any type of property or interest in property. A transaction shall be deemed to be “for consideration” if it occurs in connection with any payment of consideration or other commercial transaction, including, but not limited to, a sale, adoption, rehoming, lease, trade, exchange, swap, or barter transaction.
(2) “Transfer” means a transaction in which for consideration a dog, cat, or domestic rabbit, or any interest in any such animal, is exchanged, offered to be exchanged,or advertised for a commercial purpose.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the transfer of any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit at any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, public or commercial parking lot or sidewalk, park, recreation area, fair, transient or seasonal flea market, or a similar transient market or outdoor location, regardless of whether such activity is otherwise authorized by any person or entity.
(c) This Code section shall not apply to:
(1) The transfer of any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit by a person or entity that has and produces upon request, whether in paper, electronic, or other form, a valid animal shelter license issued by the department;
(2) Any transfer that takes place at a residence or inside of a veterinarian’s office or other business establishment;
(3) The transfer of any dog, cat, or domestic rabbit by a paid entrant as part of an event or show sanctioned by a national breed club or association, 4-H program, or similar agricultural exhibition; or
(4) The prearranged transfer between a dog, cat, or domestic rabbit 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.
(d) An animal control officer who is an employee of state or local government or any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other peace officer is authorized to enforce the provisions of this Code section and to impound any animal subject to a transfer in violation of this Code section.
(e) A person found guilty of violating this Code section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed:
(1) For the first offense, $100.00;
(2) For the second offense, $250.00; and
(3) For a third or subsequent offense, $500.00.