New PAWS Act Proposal Targets San Francisco Dog Breeding
The ordinance would require a $200 breeding permit and shorten shelter hold times for stray and custody animals.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dogs
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Should your city pass stricter regulations on private dog breeding to reduce shelter overcrowding?
San Francisco dog breeders and owners may soon face new regulations under the PAWS Act, a proposal introduced by Mayor Daniel Lurie to curb local shelter overcrowding. The legislation aims to manage the city's increasing animal intake and address a rise in public safety reports by requiring permits for breeding.
Why it matters
Animal Care and Control is currently dealing with chronic kennel space issues that force staff to foster animals off-site, a situation worsened by a 70% increase in complaints about aggressive dogs over the past year. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposal during upcoming public hearings held by a Board of Supervisors committee.
Puppy intake at the shelter reached 422 in fiscal 2025, up from 227 in fiscal 2020, while reports of aggressive dogs jumped 70% over the last year. It remains unknown how the proposed $200 permit requirement will impact the total number of active breeding operations in the city.
The players
Daniel Lurie
The Mayor of San Francisco who introduced the PAWS Act.
San Francisco Animal Care and Control
The city agency responsible for managing shelter intake and animal services.
Board of Supervisors
The legislative body that will hold public hearings on the proposed breeding regulations.
The details
The PAWS Act would require dog breeders to secure a $200 annual permit and limit female dogs to one litter per year. Under the proposal, breeding without a license could trigger fines up to $1,000, along with the seizure and sterilization of dogs. Additionally, the Act would shorten hold times for custody animals from 14 days to 7 days and for strays from 96 hours to 72 hours, allowing the shelter to spay or neuter impounded dogs.
Timeline
2005: San Francisco began requiring breeding permits for pit bulls.
Tuesday: Mayor Daniel Lurie introduced the PAWS Act.
Late November 2026: Board of Supervisors committee hearings can begin.
Across the Bay
This proposal extends the city's 2005 pit bull breeding permit requirement by applying new licensing standards to all dog breeds. It marks a broader shift in local animal management that follows similar efforts, such as the 2024 decision in Los Angeles to halt new breeding permits.
If you are a dog breeder, you will eventually need to pay $200 for a permit and open your home to inspections to remain in compliance. If you report an aggressive dog, you may see faster intervention by Animal Care and Control as the department manages its limited kennel space.
The takeaway
The PAWS Act introduces significant oversight for local dog breeders, including potential fines and mandatory sterilization for non-compliant animals. Residents should monitor the upcoming Board of Supervisors committee schedule to participate in public discussions regarding the proposed hold time changes.
Further reading
For more information on the city's pet ordinances, see Dogs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Live Poll
Should your city pass stricter regulations on private dog breeding to reduce shelter overcrowding?
