Pet Advocacy Network

Families deserve safe, transparent options when choosing a pet. Licensed pet stores are inspected, regulated, and accountable. Online sellers often are not.

In a new op-ed, Pet Advocacy Network’s Alyssa Miller-Hurley breaks down why Pennsylvania’s proposed pet store sales ban would hurt families, responsible breeders, small businesses, and pets.

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Why banning pet store sales won’t close a single puppy mill in Pennsylvania | Opinion After 20 years of similar bans nationwide, activists still claim 10,000 puppy mills exist—proving these laws fail while eliminating consumer protections for Pennsylvania families.

There’s an important conversation happening in Massachusetts right now about how people find and bring pets into their homes.

In a recent op-ed, former ASPCA CEO Ed Sayres shares a perspective shaped by decades in animal welfare. Banning pet store sales may sound like a solution, but it fails in practice.

Families do not stop looking for pets. They simply look elsewhere. Too often, that means turning to unregulated online sellers where there are fewer protections for both animals and consumers.

The path forward should focus on strong standards, transparency, and accountability across all sources, not limiting responsible, regulated options in our communities.

Sayres: Pet sale ban would take Massachusetts backwards S. 3028 drives dogs and families away from pet stores and into the black market.

Pet Advocacy Network recently secured an important win for the aquarium hobby and pet businesses in Arizona.

When regulatory changes threatened to ban entire families of commonly kept aquarium fish, PAN worked with partners and policymakers to ensure the final rule was grounded in science. Thanks to months of advocacy, popular species like glass catfish and arowana will remain legal for Arizona pet owners and retailers.

Pet Advocacy Network is committed to protecting responsible pet ownership, small businesses, and hobbyists throughout the country.

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Pet Advocacy Network Secures Win for Aquarium Hobby, Keeping Popular Fish Legal in Arizona Last week, critical Arizona Game Fish Article 4 Live Wildlife regulation revisions went into effect and thanks to months of persistent advocacy by the Pet Advocacy Network PAN , glass catfish, pictus catfish, arowana, and several other beloved aquarium species will remain legally available to Arizon...

During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, prevention starts with education and responsible practices.

Scroll through the images below to learn what pet store professionals should do if an unexpected “hitchhiker” species appears in a shipment, including quarantining the animal, reporting it, and contacting invasive species experts.

Clear protocols and responsible handling are important tools for protecting ecosystems and preventing the spread of invasive species, and the pet care community plays a key role in that effort.

In 2024, Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Sandra Moore was named Woman of the Year in Agriculture by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Commissioner Wilton Simpson—the first recipient from the tropical fish industry.

Her recognition reflects the important role responsible aquaculture and the pet care community play in preventing invasive species, through science-based practices, education, and collaboration with regulators.

During National Invasive Species Week, we’re proud to highlight the professionals whose work helps protect ecosystems while promoting responsible animal care.

A major snowstorm is hitting much of the U.S. this weekend. Cold temperatures, ice, and wind can be just as dangerous for pets as they are for people. Take a few extra steps to keep pets safe, warm, and hydrated.

A New Jersey bill meant to stop irresponsible breeders would instead punish responsible, family-owned pet stores that follow the rules. Real reform means holding irresponsible breeders accountable, not shutting down compliant small businesses.

Senate Bill Could Close Ethical Pet Stores In New Jersey In New Jersey, a bill designed to protect families from sick pets could close small pet stores while leaving puppy mills unchecked.