# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 19. Miscellaneous State Business Regulation

### Subtitle 7. Retail Pet Stores

#### Section 19-701

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Animal control unit" has the meaning stated in Sec. 10-617 of the Criminal Law Article.

(c)

  (1) "Animal welfare organization" means a nonprofit organization:

    (i) that has tax exempt status under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; and

    (ii) whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes.

  (2) "Animal welfare organization" does not include an organization that obtains animals from a breeder or broker in exchange for payment or compensation.

(d) "Breeder" means a person who breeds or raises dogs or cats to sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer to the public.

(e) "Broker" means a person who transfers dogs or cats for resale by another person.

(f)

  (1) "Retail pet store" means:

    (i) a for-profit establishment that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as household pets; or

    (ii) a broker.

  (2) "Retail pet store" does not include an establishment at which the animals sold at the establishment were born at the establishment.

#### Section 19-702

This subtitle does not apply to an animal welfare organization or animal control unit operating within a retail pet store.

#### Section 19-703

(a) A retail pet store may not sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of cats or dogs.

(b) This section may not be construed to prohibit a retail pet store from collaborating with an animal welfare organization or animal control unit to offer space for these entities to showcase cats or dogs for adoption.

#### Section 19-704

(a) A violation of this subtitle:

  (1) is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and

  (2) except for the provisions of Sec. 13-411 of the Commercial Law Article, is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.

(b) Each offer of an animal for sale in violation of this subtitle is a separate violation.

#### Section 19-705

Nothing in this subtitle limits the ability of the State or a local government to prosecute the owner or operator of a retail pet store for any other violation of law.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)