Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate pass PETS Act

On March 19, 2026, Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to unanimously pass the PETS Act — animal welfare legislation to end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop pipeline, strengthen animal cruelty protections and make responsible pet ownership possible for more residents. On March 23, the legislation, which is officially called An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety, was sent to the Massachusetts House and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means. Senator Lewis is a cosponsor of the PETS Act.

To prevent malicious puppy mills — large-scale breeding facilities known for prioritizing profits over animal health and well-being — from shipping pets to Massachusetts, the PETS Act includes legislation to end commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. Instead, pet stores could display animals from animal shelters for adoption, and residents could adopt directly from animal shelters or visit responsible pet breeders.

“It breaks my heart to see inhumane puppy mills abusing dogs to mass-produce puppies to ship across the country when there are so many wonderful and lonely pets waiting to be adopted,” said Senator Lewis. “We have proudly adopted our cats from the MSPCA, including our now 15-year-old cat Mookie, and have long advocated for people to reach out to their local shelters and adoption centers when considering getting a pet.”

To promote animal welfare, the PETS Act prohibits manufacturers from subjecting animals to unnecessary chemical testing for nonmedical research, sparing innocent animals from harsh conditions. The bill also extends a state law that protects dogs from cruelty to cover all household pets, ensuring adequate food, water and sanitary conditions, and it protects livestock and other animals by adding civil penalties to enforce existing anti-cruelty statutes.

In addition, to make responsible pet ownership possible for more residents, the PETS Act requires the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a uniform pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing. Public housing facilities would be prohibited from discriminating based on a pet’s breed or size. The bill also prohibits homeowner insurance companies from factoring a dog’s breed into underwriting, rating or renewal decisions.