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SB442 • 2026
relative to pet transfers.
This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
relative to pet transfers.
Signed by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 251; Effective 08/31/2026
Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
Sen. Avard Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/21/2026; SJ 13
FLAM #2026-1794h (Rep. Bixby): AA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12
Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1794h: MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12
Committee Report: Ought to Pass 04/28/2026 (Vote 13-0; RC) HC 18 P. 11
Full Committee Work Session: 04/28/2026 10:00 am GP 153
Public Hearing: 04/14/2026 10:30 am GP 153
Full Committee Work Session: 04/14/2026 01:30 pm GP 153
Introduced (in recess of) 03/26/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 9 P. 54
Committee Amendment #2026-1125s , AA, VV; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1125s , MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1125s , 03/26/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11
Hearing: 02/17/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:50 am; SC 5
Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
relative to pet transfers.
CHAPTER 251 SB 442 - FINAL VERSION 03/26/2026 1125s 7May2026... 1794h 2026 SESSION 26-2243 08/09 SENATE BILL 442 AN ACT relative to pet transfers. SPONSORS: Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Rep. Bixby, Straf. 13; Rep. J. Aron, Sull. 4; Rep. C. McGuire, Merr. 27; Rep. Moffett, Merr. 4 COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AMENDED ANALYSIS This bill changes the titles for pet health certificates. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics. Matter removed from current law appears [ in brackets and struckthrough. ] Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type. 03/26/2026 1125s 7May2026... 1794h 26-2243 08/09 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six AN ACT relative to pet transfers. Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 251:1 Sale of Pets and Disposition of Unclaimed Animals; Transfer of Animals and Birds; Health Certificates for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets. Amend the title of RSA 437:8 to read as follows: 437:8 [ Health Certificates ] Official Certificates of Transfer for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets. 251:2 Sale of Pets and Disposition of Unclaimed Animals; Transfer of Animals and Birds; Confidentiality. Amend RSA 437:8-b, V to read as follows: V. [ Certificates of transfer ] Official certificates of transfer shall be removed from the animal records database after 4 years. 251:3 Health Certificate; Official Certificate of Transfer. Amend RSA 437:8, VI(f) to read as follows: (f) No animal shelter shall transfer any dog, cat, or ferret that is received from outside of the state without an official [ health certificate ] certificate of transfer and until the quarantine requirements in RSA 437:8, IV have been met. 251:4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage. Approved: July 02, 2026 Effective Date: August 31, 2026