Education & Legislation - High Plains Kennel Club of Colorado

Education & Legislative Updates

Stay informed about laws and education that affect purebred dogs and responsible ownership in Colorado.

2026 Colorado Legislative Session: Wrap-Up

The 2026 session ran from January 14 to May 13. The Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners (CFDCO) followed six bills affecting dog owners and breeders. Here is how they ended. Follow the links for the full text of each bill.

HB26-1011 – Transfers of Certain Pet Animals

Became law Signed April 29, 2026 • CFDCO position: Oppose
- Pet stores may no longer sell dogs or cats beginning January 1, 2028. They may still host no-fee adoption events for shelters and rescues.
- A “broker” (anyone who sells, for profit, a dog or cat bred by someone else, in person or online) may not sell or transfer dogs or cats.
- Someone who transfers no more than 3 pets per calendar year, each only once, is not considered a broker.
- Breeders are exempt when selling or transferring dogs and cats they bred themselves.
HB26-1183 – Pet Animal Care & Facilities Act (PACFA) Sunset Review

Became law Signed May 28, 2026 • Effective August 12, 2026 • CFDCO position: Support
- Continues PACFA licensing of pet facilities for 8 more years, until 2034, with a 15-member advisory committee.
- Raises the maximum license fee from $700 to $1,500 and the maximum fine from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation.
- Pets brought into Colorado by a pet facility need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival.
HB26-1198 – Access to Veterinary Care

Became law Signed April 29, 2026 • Effective January 1, 2027 • CFDCO position: Monitor

Speeds up Colorado licensing for veterinarians already licensed in another state, and lets owners donate unused prescription pet medications to veterinarians and animal shelters.
HB26-1229 – Supporting the Human-Animal Bond

Became law Signed May 8, 2026 • Effective August 12, 2026 • CFDCO position: Monitor

Recognizes the human-animal bond as good for people’s health, and lets the state’s health disparities grant program fund groups that support it if lawmakers provide extra money.
HB26-1133 – Traveling Animal Protection Act: Environmental Education Programs

Became law Signed April 23, 2026 • Effective August 12, 2026 • CFDCO position: Monitor

Animal education programs keep their exemption only when run by a “professional” holding a recognized accreditation or certification. It mainly affects exotic animals such as elephants.
HB26-1131 – Custody of Pet Animals

Did not pass Died in the House Appropriations Committee, May 14, 2026 • CFDCO position: Monitor

Would have let judges decide who keeps a pet in a divorce or legal separation.

This is a plain-language summary for our members, not legal advice. Check the official bill text for the exact rules.

This alert was sent while the session was underway, and the statuses and calls to action in it are out of date. The report’s header says “HB26-1101”, but the pet-transfer bill is HB26-1011.