Thank California for Protecting Cats and Dogs

Sign the Petition

Every year, countless cats and dogs enter overcrowded animal shelters, often through no fault of their own. Too many face uncertain futures because affordable veterinary care is out of reach, shelters are overwhelmed, and protections against cruelty fall short.

But California has just taken a major step toward changing that — and its leaders deserve our thanks. Please sign the petition to thank Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature for passing real reforms into law.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature have enacted important new laws that will help prevent animal suffering, expand access to veterinary care, and strengthen protections for vulnerable cats and dogs.

One of the biggest victories is the Spay and Neuter Improvements for Pets (SNIP) Act, which removes a major regulatory obstacle to high-volume spay and neuter clinics.

Beginning in January 2027, qualifying sterilization surgeries will no longer require a separate, dedicated surgical room, while existing veterinary health and safety standards remain in place.

This could help bring affordable spay and neuter services to communities that desperately need them — preventing unwanted litters and keeping more cats and dogs from ending up abandoned, homeless, or at risk of euthanasia in overcrowded shelters.

And that's not all.

California also enacted legislation expanding access to veterinary services and strengthening protections for abused animals, including measures addressing the forfeiture of animals in cruelty cases.

These changes could mean fewer unwanted litters, more animals receiving care, and stronger protections for victims of cruelty.

For animals whose lives depend on human decisions, those changes matter.

Instead of waiting until shelters are overwhelmed or animals have already suffered, California is taking steps to prevent suffering before it happens.

And there's a bigger opportunity here: California can show other states how practical, humane reforms can make a difference for animals and the people who care for them.

Please sign the petition to thank Governor Newsom and California lawmakers for these important victories — and encourage them to keep building on this progress!

Thank you for all that you do,

Mitch w/ Animal Commons

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Source:

SFSPCA | Governor Newsom Signs the SNIP Act