1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to state government; establishing the Companion Animal Board;
1.3 transferring duties; requiring reports; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money;
1.4 amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 35.02, subdivision 1; 347.58,
1.5 subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 346.
1.6BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.7 ARTICLE 1
1.8 COMPANION ANIMAL BOARD
1.9 Section 1. [346.60] DEFINITIONS.
1.10 Subdivision 1.Scope.For purposes of sections 346.60 to 346.65, the terms defined in
1.11this section have the meanings given.
1.12 Subd. 2.Animal rescue."Animal rescue" means any not-for-profit organization with
1.13tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that:
1.14 (1) is devoted to the rescue, care, and adoption of stray, abandoned, unwanted, displaced,
1.15or surrendered companion animals;
1.16 (2) uses private foster homes as the primary means of housing animals; and
1.17 (3) does not breed animals.
1.18 Subd. 3.Animal shelter."Animal shelter" means any not-for-profit organization with
1.19tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that:
1.20 (1) is devoted to the rescue, care, and adoption of stray, abandoned, unwanted, displaced,
1.21or surrendered companion animals;
1Article 1 Section 1.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 2490
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
Authored by Hansen, R.,03/17/2025
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy 2.1 (2) operates a physical facility as the primary means of accepting and housing animals;
2.2and
2.3 (3) does not breed animals.
2.4 Subd. 4.Board."Board" means the Companion Animal Board.
2.5 Subd. 5.Cat."Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Felis
2.6domesticus.
2.7 Subd. 6.Companion animal or pet."Companion animal" or "pet" has the meaning
2.8given in sections 343.20, subdivision 6; and 346.36, subdivision 6. Companion animal or
2.9pet includes a cat, a dog, and another animal kept as a pet, including a rabbit, a guinea pig,
2.10a ferret, a small rodent, a nonnative bird, a small nonvenomous amphibian or reptile, and
2.11any other nonagricultural domesticated animal.
2.12 Subd. 7.Dog."Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Canis
2.13familiaris.
2.14 Sec. 2. [346.61] COMPANION ANIMAL BOARD; PURPOSE.
2.15 (a) The Companion Animal Board is created to promote the welfare of cats, dogs, and
2.16other pets; serve individuals in the community who care for cats, dogs, and other pets; and
2.17support the human-animal bond. The board must administer and enforce sections 346.60
2.18to 346.65.
2.19 (b) The authority of the board is limited to cats, dogs, and other animals kept as pets,
2.20including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, small rodents, nonnative birds, small nonvenomous
2.21amphibians and reptiles, and other nonagricultural domesticated animals.
2.22 (c) The board has no authority or jurisdiction over:
2.23 (1) cattle, sheep, swine, goats, farmed Cervidae, poultry, or other animals used for food,
2.24agricultural products, or other agricultural uses;
2.25 (2) regulated animals, as defined in section 346.155, subdivision 1;
2.26 (3) wild animals, as defined in section 97A.015, subdivision 55; and
2.27 (4) racehorses regulated under chapter 240.
2.28 (d) The board's authority does not interfere with or supersede the authority of the Board
2.29of Veterinary Medicine over the practice of veterinary medicine under chapter 156, or the
2.30authority of the Board of Animal Health to control and prevent dangerous and reportable
2.31diseases under chapter 35.
2Article 1 Sec. 2.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 3.1 Sec. 3. [346.62] BOARD STRUCTURE.
3.2 Subdivision 1.Members; officers.(a) The board consists of the following 13 members
3.3appointed by the governor who represent companion animal interests and experiences:
3.4 (1) four members who represent the practice of veterinary medicine as follows:
3.5 (i) two licensed veterinarians who practice veterinary medicine in this state;
3.6 (ii) one veterinarian employed by the Board of Animal Health; and
3.7 (iii) one veterinarian employed by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary
3.8Medicine;
3.9 (2) four members who represent Minnesota communities, Tribes, and local governments,
3.10as follows:
3.11 (i) one county or municipal government employee who represents community needs
3.12and local governance;
3.13 (ii) one member who represents a federally recognized Tribe located in Minnesota; and
3.14 (iii) two at-large public members;
3.15 (3) three members who represent Minnesota animal shelters and animal rescues as
3.16follows:
3.17 (i) one member who is employed by or who is a board member of a licensed animal
3.18shelter located in the seven-county metropolitan area;
3.19 (ii) one member who is employed by or who is a board member of a licensed animal
3.20shelter located in greater Minnesota; and
3.21 (iii) one member who is employed by or who is a board member of a Minnesota animal
3.22rescue;
3.23 (4) one member who is a licensed Minnesota commercial cat or dog breeder; and
3.24 (5) one member who is a licensed social worker or mental health professional, or is an
3.25individual who is knowledgeable about human welfare issues and interactions with
3.26companion animals.
3.27 Subd. 2.Terms; compensation; removal; vacancies.The membership terms,
3.28compensation, removal of members, and filling of vacancies on the board are governed by
3.29section 15.0575.
3Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 4.1 Subd. 3.Executive director; employees.The board must appoint and employ an
4.2executive director who is not a member of the board to serve at the pleasure of the board.
4.3The board must set the duties of the executive director and employ, upon recommendation
4.4of the executive director, licensed veterinarians and other staff as necessary to carry out the
4.5board's duties.
4.6 Sec. 4. [346.63] DUTIES OF THE BOARD.
4.7 Subdivision 1.Regulatory enforcement.The board must enforce state laws that regulate
4.8companion animals as follows:
4.9 (1) the licensing and inspection of cat and dog kennels and dealers and the enforcement
4.10of sections 347.31 to 347.40 and any rules adopted pursuant to those sections; and
4.11 (2) the licensing and inspection of commercial breeders and the enforcement of sections
4.12347.57 to 347.65 and any rules adopted pursuant to those sections.
4.13 Subd. 2.Education and communication.The board must provide expertise about
4.14companion animal issues and promote responsible pet ownership through providing
4.15information, education, and communication. Duties include but are not limited to:
4.16 (1) establishing and maintaining a website that provides information and resources for
4.17the public on issues related to companion animal care and welfare;
4.18 (2) providing expertise and assistance to other state government agencies and local
4.19governments on issues related to companion animals, including emergency and disaster
4.20relief, community cat programs, temporary pet housing, and other needs; and
4.21 (3) supporting and promoting humane education and outreach campaigns related to
4.22companion animal care and welfare.
4.23 Subd. 3.Services and resources.(a) The board must promote the welfare of companion
4.24animals and provide long-term efficiencies and collaboration in the animal welfare and
4.25human welfare fields.
4.26 (b) The board must determine community and statewide needs for the welfare of
4.27companion animals. The board must support the welfare of companion animals by collecting,
4.28analyzing, and disseminating quantitative and qualitative data related to companion animals
4.29and their care.
4.30 (c) Based on the board's findings regarding the needs for the welfare of companion
4.31animals under paragraph (b), the board may establish statewide programs or collaborate
4.32with and assist in the delivery of services and resources provided by Minnesota-based:
4Article 1 Sec. 4.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 5.1 (1) nonprofit organizations;
5.2 (2) local governments;
5.3 (3) veterinary clinics or practices; and
5.4 (4) postsecondary institutions with a mission or programs supporting the welfare of
5.5companion animals or the human-animal bond.
5.6 Subd. 4.Grants.(a) The board must administer a grant program. The scope and purpose
5.7of the grants, to the extent possible, is to provide funding that allows a grantee to achieve
5.8measurable outcomes in the care and welfare of companion animals.
5.9 (b) The board may make grants from money available in the companion animal account
5.10to assist entities identified in subdivision 3, paragraph (c), and to support the board's duties
5.11under subdivisions 2 and 3.
5.12 (c) The board must determine grant priorities and administer the grant program in
5.13compliance with sections 16B.97 to 16B.991. Grants may include but are not limited to
5.14financial assistance for veterinary services and training, animal shelter management, capital
5.15expenses, equipment, pet care education, and other needs as defined by the board under
5.16subdivision 3, paragraph (b).
5.17 (d) The board must report annually by February 15 to the legislative committees with
5.18jurisdiction over companion animals on grants made under this subdivision during the
5.19previous calendar year. The report must include the amount of grant money that the board
5.20issued, the geographic distribution of grants, and measurable outcomes including but not
5.21limited to the number of companion animals served.
5.22 Subd. 5.Annual report.On or before January 15 each year, the board must publish and
5.23make available an annual report.
5.24 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
5.25 Sec. 5. [346.64] AUTHORITY OF BOARD.
5.26 Subdivision 1.Rulemaking authority.The board may adopt rules necessary to carry
5.27out the powers, duties, and responsibilities given to the board under section 346.63,
5.28subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2).
5.29 Subd. 2.Advisory task force.The board may create an advisory task force under section
5.3015.014 with a majority of members who have a working knowledge of companion animal
5.31health and welfare issues.
5Article 1 Sec. 5.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 6.1 Subd. 3.Certificates of veterinary inspection.The Board of Animal Health must
6.2provide a copy of each new certificate of veterinary inspection for companion animals to
6.3the Companion Animal Board within 30 days of receiving the certificate of veterinary
6.4inspection.
6.5 Subd. 4.Money received.The board may accept gifts or other financial contributions
6.6from any source to support the board's purposes and duties. The board may apply for and
6.7accept grants of money from the United States, the state, a subdivision of the state, any
6.8foundation, or any private person to support the board's purposes and duties.
6.9 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2026, except subdivisions 2 and
6.104 are effective July 1, 2025.
6.11 Sec. 6. [346.65] COMPANION ANIMAL ACCOUNT; APPROPRIATION.
6.12 A companion animal account is created in the special revenue fund. All fees and penalties
6.13collected by the board and, except as provided in section 4.07, subdivision 3, any money
6.14received by the board as gifts, grants, or other private or public funds must be deposited in
6.15the state treasury and credited to the companion animal account. Money in the account,
6.16including interest on the account, is appropriated to the board to administer and award grants
6.17under sections 346.60 to 346.65.
6.18 Sec. 7. TRANSFER OF DUTIES.
6.19 Subdivision 1.Transfer.(a) The responsibility to administer the duties listed in clauses
6.20(1) and (2) is transferred from the Board of Animal Health to the Companion Animal Board
6.21effective July 1, 2026:
6.22 (1) the licensing, enforcement, and inspection of kennels and dealers under Minnesota
6.23Statutes, sections 347.31 to 347.40, and Minnesota Rules, part 1721.0520; and
6.24 (2) the licensing, enforcement, and inspection of commercial breeders under Minnesota
6.25Statutes, sections 347.57 to 347.65.
6.26 (b) The transfer required under this section is pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section
6.2715.039, except the transfer of unexpended money under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.039,
6.28subdivision 6, and the transfer of personnel under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.039,
6.29subdivision 7, do not apply.
6.30 (c) The Board of Animal Health must provide the Companion Animal Board with access
6.31to data, documentation, and record keeping, including data classified as nonpublic, if the
6Article 1 Sec. 7.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 7.1data, documentation, or record keeping is related to the duties being transferred from the
7.2Board of Animal Health to the Companion Animal Board.
7.3 Subd. 2.Report.No later than February 1, 2026, the executive director of the Board of
7.4Animal Health and the executive director of the Companion Animal Board must jointly
7.5report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over state government regarding the
7.6status of the transfer required under subdivision 1, including whether the directors recommend
7.7that the legislature modify the effective date of the transfer.
7.8 Sec. 8. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
7.9 The Companion Animal Board must amend Minnesota Rules, parts 1721.0490 and
7.101721.0520, to make conforming changes related to the transfer of duties under section 7.
7.11The Companion Animal Board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes,
7.12section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota
7.13Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
7.1414.388.
7.15 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2026.
7.16 Sec. 9. INITIAL APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
7.17 The Companion Animal Board must appoint an executive director no later than six
7.18months after the governor appoints the initial board members.
7.19 Sec. 10. APPROPRIATION; COMPANION ANIMAL BOARD.
7.20 $2,854,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,057,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
7.21the general fund to the Companion Animal Board to perform the board's duties under
7.22Minnesota Statutes, chapter 346. Of the amount appropriated each year, at least:
7.23 (1) $250,000 is for the grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 346.63,
7.24subdivision 4; and
7.25 (2) $750,000 is for a pilot program administered under Minnesota Statutes, section
7.26346.63, subdivision 4. The allocation in this clause is onetime.
7.27 Sec. 11. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
7.28 Except as provided in article 2, section 2, the revisor of statutes must change the terms
7.29"Board of Animal Health" or "board" to "Companion Animal Board" and make any
7Article 1 Sec. 11.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 8.1corresponding changes in Minnesota Statutes, sections 346.55, 346.58, 347.31 to 347.40,
8.2and 347.57 to 347.65.
8.3 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2026.
8.4 Sec. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
8.5 Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective July 1, 2025.
8.6 ARTICLE 2
8.7 CONFORMING CHANGES
8.8 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 35.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
8.9 Subdivision 1.Members; officers.The board has seven members appointed by the
8.10governor with the advice and consent of the senate, three of whom are producers of livestock
8.11in the state; one of whom is a member of a federally recognized Tribe located in Minnesota
8.12who is experienced in animal husbandry; and three of whom are practicing veterinarians
8.13licensed in Minnesota, one of whom specializes in companion animals. To the extent
8.14practicable, the governor's appointments must achieve gender and geographic balance among
8.15the board membership. The commissioners of agriculture, natural resources, and health, the
8.16dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the executive director of the Companion Animal
8.17Board, and the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the University of
8.18Minnesota may serve as consultants to the board without vote. Appointments to fill unexpired
8.19terms must be made from the classes to which the retiring members belong. The board shall
8.20elect a president and a vice-president from among its members and a veterinarian licensed
8.21in Minnesota who is not a member to be its executive director for a term of one year and
8.22until a successor qualifies. The board shall set the duties of the director.
8.23 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2025.
8.24 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 347.58, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
8.25 Subd. 4.Veterinary protocol.(a) A commercial breeder must establish and maintain
8.26a written protocol for disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and veterinary care of
8.27animals at each facility. The initial protocol must be developed under the direction and
8.28supervision of the Companion Animal Board with oversight from a veterinarian employed
8.29by the Companion Animal Board. A commercial breeder must maintain a written protocol
8.30that is updated at least every 12 months and that is signed and dated by the Companion
8.31Animal Board or by a veterinarian along with the commercial breeder. The written protocol
8Article 2 Sec. 2.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 9.1must be available to the Companion Animal Board upon request or at the time of inspection.
9.2The Companion Animal Board must provide a copy of each veterinary protocol to the Board
9.3of Animal Health. The Companion Animal Board must defer to the Board of Animal Health
9.4on all matters related to the control and prevention of dangerous, reportable diseases,
9.5including the initial protocol.
9.6 (b) An animal sold or otherwise distributed by a commercial breeder must be accompanied
9.7by a veterinary health certificate completed by a veterinarian. The certificate must be
9.8completed within 30 days prior to the sale or distribution and must indicate that the animal
9.9is current with vaccinations and has no signs of infectious or contagious diseases. The
9.10certificate accompanying an adult dog that was not spayed or neutered must indicate that
9.11the dog has no signs of infectious or contagious diseases and was tested for canine brucellosis
9.12with a test approved by the Board of Animal Health and found to be negative. The
9.13Companion Animal Board must immediately report and provide copies of all disease-related
9.14testing, including canine brucellosis and other dangerous, reportable diseases, to the Board
9.15of Animal Health.
9.16 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2026.
9Article 2 Sec. 2.
REVISOR BD/DG 25-0419602/26/25 Page.Ln 1.7COMPANION ANIMAL BOARD........................................................ARTICLE 1
Page.Ln 8.6CONFORMING CHANGES.................................................................ARTICLE 2
1
APPENDIX
Article locations for 25-04196