Public Sales + Retail Pet Store Ordinance
Why is this needed?
As Columbia continues to grow and attract new residents, families, and businesses, it is critical that the city takes proactive steps to protect the quality of life that makes this community desirable. With growth comes increased commercial activity, including the potential for unregulated animal sales that can negatively impact public safety, consumer confidence, and community resources.
Columbia parking lot puppy sales in February 2026
This ordinance is designed to ensure that Columbia remains a place where people want to live, raise their families, and invest in their businesses by promoting responsible practices, protecting residents, and preventing avoidable strain on local systems.
This ordinance:
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Protects consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick, misrepresented, or genetically defective animals offered by transient sellers.
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Protects animals by increasing deterrents for illicit breeders who raise animals in neglectful environments.
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Protects responsible breeders
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Helps reduce the economic burden on local governments and nonprofits for animal control services and overcrowded shelters, due in part to reckless breeding.
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Reduces opportunities for transient dog sellers whose activities often intersect with other criminal activities (e.g., dogfighting and gambling).
Community FAQs
Have questions? You’re not alone. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions from community members and policymakers to provide clarity, context, and transparency around this effort. Click here to explore the FAQ's, or click the image of the flyer.
Your Part
Our city leaders need to hear from you. Here's what you can do:
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Consider reaching out to your City Council members to voice your support and share why this issue matters to you. Personal stories can be especially powerful—whether you’ve struggled to surrender an animal due to limited shelter capacity, experienced illness after purchasing an animal from an informal sale, or seen firsthand how animal overpopulation impacts our community. Click your council member below to email them. If you're unsure of who that is, enter your address here.
Ward 1: Carl McCullen; Ward 2: Charlie Huffman; Ward 3: Cheryl Secrest; Ward 4: Kenny Marshall; Ward 5: Brian McKelvy -
If you're a Columbia resident, sign the petition below. Though not required, it would be helpful to know what ward you live in. If you're not sure, click the link above.
Click to download the FAQs sheet
Ordinance Highlights
Prohibits the sale, transfer, display, and giveaway of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in outdoor spaces
Adoption events are authorized for animal shelters and 501(c)3 animal rescues
Prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits by a retail pet store
Transactions are permitted in private residences, licensed veterinary office (with their approval), and local police station (or safe exchange location operated by PD)
Please share this information with neighbors, local businesses, and community groups, and stay informed. Together, we can help Columbia move the needle on the animal crisis and build compassionate, responsible pet policy across our city.
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