Animal Welfare is Human Welfare Act of 2026 [DRAFT]

 Section-by-Section Summary: 

• Sec. 1: Short Title – Names the Act.

• Sec. 2: Findings & Purpose – Establishes rationale and goals. 

• Sec. 3: Definitions – Clarifies key terms. 

• Sec. 4: Universal Pet Care Access – GFVCs, mobile units, funding. 

• Sec. 5: Service & Obedience Certification – Training standards, tax credits. 

• Sec. 6: Mandatory Pet Care Education – ROMC requirement. 

• Sec. 7: Breeding & Sales Regulation – Licensing, accountability, bans. 

• Sec. 8: Veterinary System Reform – Loan forgiveness, insurance access. 

• Sec. 9: Tax Incentives – Credits, rebates, employer benefits. 

• Sec.10: Enforcement – Positive reinforcement & penalties. 

• Sec.11: Integration & Culture Shift – Hotline, foster networks, housing.

• Sec.12: Reporting & Review – Annual reports, GAO review. 

• Sec.13–16: Funding, Offsets, Volunteer Corps, Safeguards. 

• Sec.17: Effective Date – Implementation timeline. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Animal Welfare is Human Welfare Act of 2026.”

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
Humane Governance & Legislative Action Coalition (HGLAC) finds the following:  
1. Companion animals provide measurable emotional, psychological, and physical health benefits to millions of Americans, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families.  
2. The lack of affordable veterinary care, insufficient breeder regulation, and limited public education contribute to high rates of animal abandonment and shelter overcrowding.  
3. Veterinarians face disproportionate financial and mental health burdens, including high student loan debt and elevated suicide rates.  
4. Current laws inadequately safeguard pets as family members, resulting in preventable suffering and unnecessary shelter intake.  
5. A comprehensive national framework is necessary to ensure responsible ownership, affordable care, and long-term welfare for companion animals.  

PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Act is to:  
- Expand access to affordable veterinary care.  
- Establish national standards for breeding, sales, and ownership.  
- Provide financial incentives for responsible pet care.  
- Support the veterinary workforce.  
- Promote cultural recognition of the human-animal bond.     

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:  
1. Companion animal means any domesticated dog, cat, small mammal, or other species commonly kept as a household pet.  
2. Service animal means an animal trained to assist individuals with disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  
3. Breeder means any individual or entity engaged in the commercial reproduction and sale of companion animals.  
4. Government-funded veterinary clinic means a facility established under Section 4 of this Act.  
5. Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, unless otherwise specified.   

SECTION 4. UNIVERSAL PET CARE ACCESS.
(a) Establishment of Clinics.  
- Each state shall establish at least one government-funded veterinary clinic within 24 months of enactment.  
- Clinics may be operated directly by the state or through contracts with accredited veterinary schools or nonprofit organizations.  

(b) Services Provided.  
- Free standard care, including vaccinations, spay/neuter, and parasite prevention.  
- Income-based discounts for emergency and specialty services.  
- Mobile outreach programs for underserved rural and urban communities.  

(c) Appropriations.  
- $500,000,000 is authorized annually for fiscal years 2026–2036 to support clinic establishment and operation.   

SECTION 5. SERVICE AND OBEDIENCE CERTIFICATION.
(a) Service Animal Certification Program.  
- Requires 200 at-home training hours, 40 hours of government-funded professional training, and renewal every 3 years.  
- Certified individuals qualify for a $3,000 federal tax credit every 3 years.  

(b) Obedient Animal Certificate.  
- Requires 40 at-home training hours, 8 hours of government-funded professional training, renewed annually.  
- Certified owners qualify for a $500 annual tax credit.  

(c) Administration.  
- The Department of Agriculture shall oversee certification programs in coordination with accredited trainers.     

SECTION 6. MANDATORY PET CARE EDUCATION.
(a) Requirement.  
- Breeders, shelters, and pet stores must require proof of obedience or service animal training within 3 months of purchase or adoption.  

(b) Enforcement.  
- Failure to comply shall result in repossession of the animal without refund, with the animal transferred to a foster network.

SECTION 7. REGULATION OF BREEDING AND SALES.
(a) National Breeder Licensing Program.  
- Requires 400 documented hours of animal care training, completion of obedience training, and 120 hours of government-funded coursework.  
- Annual inspections and license renewal required.  

(b) Breeder Accountability.  
- Breeders must provide lifetime return guarantees for all animals sold.  

(c) Truth in Pet Sales.  
- Mandatory disclosure of breed-specific health risks, expected lifetime costs, and care needs.  

(d) Ban on Irresponsible Breeding and Exotic Sales.  
- Prohibits puppy mills and the sale of exotic pets (tigers, lions, apes, etc.) outside accredited sanctuaries or zoos.   

SECTION 8. VETERINARY SYSTEM REFORM.
(a) Veterinary Loan Forgiveness Program.  
- Provides up to $150,000 in loan forgiveness for veterinarians serving in underserved areas or offering low-cost care for at least 5 years.  

(b) Pet Insurance Access.  
- Requires insurers to offer pet insurance nationwide.  
- Establishes subsidies for low-income families through the Department of Health and Human Services.  

SECTION 9. TAX AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES.
(a) Pet Care Tax Credit.  
- Deduction for veterinary bills, pet insurance, and training costs up to $2,500 annually.  

(b) Pet Wellness Rebate.  
- Annual rebate of $250 for proof of vaccinations, preventive care, and microchipping.  

(c) Employer Pet Benefit Incentive.  
- Employers offering pet care stipends or insurance receive tax incentives equal to 25% of the benefit provided.   

SECTION 10. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Positive Reinforcement.  
- Tax credits, rebates, and subsidies for responsible ownership.  
- Grants for communities reducing shelter intake.  
- Public recognition programs (e.g., “Pet-Friendly City” certifications).  

(b) Accountability.  
- Mandatory rehoming assistance before shelter surrender.  
- Increased fines (up to $10,000) and misdemeanor charges for abandonment.  
- Annual licensing tied to proof of vaccinations, preventive care, and insurance.  
- Breeder license revocation and fines for violations.  

SECTION 11. LONG-TERM CULTURAL SHIFT.
(a) National Pet Care Hotline.  
- Establish a 24/7 hotline for owners in crisis, operated by HHS in partnership with nonprofits.  

(b) Community Foster Networks.  
- Grants to local governments and nonprofits to expand foster care as an alternative to shelters.  

(c) Integration into Human Services.  
- Pets shall be included in housing assistance, domestic violence shelters, and disaster relief planning.  

SECTION 12. REPORTING AND REVIEW.
(a) Annual Report.  
- The Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of this Act, including data on shelter intake, veterinary access, and breeder compliance.  

(b) Review.  
- Within 10 years of enactment, the Government Accountability Office shall conduct a comprehensive review of the Act’s effectiveness and recommend improvements.  

SECTION 13. APPROPRIATIONS AND FUNDING SOURCES.

(a) Initial Federal Appropriations.  
- $500,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026–2036 is authorized for the establishment of government-funded veterinary clinics, loan forgiveness programs, and national breeder licensing oversight.  
- Funds shall be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  

(b) Dedicated Revenue Streams (Non-Taxpayer Dependent).  
To minimize reliance on general tax revenue, the following dedicated funding streams shall be established:  
1. Pet Care Trust Fund. A revolving fund financed by:  
  - A $5 surcharge on luxury pet products (designer collars, high-end pet furniture, etc.).  
  - A 0.25% levy on commercial pet food manufacturers with annual revenues exceeding $50 million.  
  - Voluntary “opt-in” contributions at the point of sale for pet-related goods and services.  
2. Public-Private Partnerships.  
  - Corporate sponsorships of clinics, training programs, and foster networks (e.g., “This clinic supported by [Company]”).  
  - Naming rights for government-funded veterinary facilities, similar to stadium sponsorships.  
3. Animal Welfare Bonds.  
  - Treasury-issued “Companion Bonds” allowing citizens to invest in animal welfare infrastructure with guaranteed returns, similar to war bonds.  

SECTION 14. TAX INCENTIVES WITHOUT COSTING TAX DOLLARS.

(a) Offset Mechanisms.  
- Tax credits and rebates under this Act shall be offset by:  
  - Closing loopholes in existing agricultural subsidies that incentivize overbreeding or neglect of companion animals.  
  - Redirecting unclaimed federal tax refunds (currently billions annually) into the Pet Care Trust Fund.  
  - Establishing a “Pet Wellness Lottery” where a portion of state lottery revenues are earmarked for animal welfare programs.  

(b) Employer Incentives.  
- Employers offering pet insurance or stipends may deduct costs against payroll taxes, but the Treasury shall recoup equivalent funds through reduced shelter intake and public health savings (documented annually by GAO).  

SECTION 15. VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT AND REWARDS.

(a) National Companion Corps.  
- Establish a federally recognized volunteer program modeled after AmeriCorps, where citizens can contribute hours to shelters, foster networks, and clinics.  

(b) Volunteer Rewards — A First-of-its-Kind System.  
Volunteers shall earn “Companion Credits” tracked in a federal database, redeemable for:  
- Student Loan Forgiveness Hours: Every 100 hours of service equals $1,000 in federal student loan forgiveness.  
- Healthcare Premium Discounts: Credits can be applied toward Affordable Care Act marketplace premiums.  
- Travel & Transit Benefits: Credits redeemable for Amtrak, public transit, or national park passes.  
- Pet Care Vouchers: Free or discounted veterinary services for their own animals.  

(c) Recognition.  
- Annual “National Companion Medal of Service” awarded by the President to outstanding volunteers.  
- Local governments encouraged to provide housing or utility discounts for high-hour volunteers.  

SECTION 16. SAFEGUARDS AGAINST STRAINING GOVERNMENT FUNDING.

(a) Sunset Clauses.  
- All appropriations under this Act shall sunset after 10 years unless reauthorized by Congress, ensuring periodic review.  

(b) Cost-Benefit Reporting.  
- GAO shall issue an annual report quantifying savings from reduced shelter intake, improved public health outcomes, and decreased veterinary suicide rates.  
- Demonstrated savings shall be reinvested into the Pet Care Trust Fund.  

(c) Matching Requirements.  
- States receiving federal funds must provide a 25% match through state appropriations, private partnerships, or in-kind contributions (e.g., land for clinics).  

(d) Efficiency Mandates.  
- Federal funds may not exceed 50% of the operating costs of any government-funded veterinary clinic after the first 5 years. Clinics must transition toward self-sustainability through insurance reimbursements, donations, and partnerships.  

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect on TBD.

Authorship & Ownership Statement
This policy brief and the legislative framework titled “Animal Welfare is Human Welfare Act of 2026” was authored and is officially owned by The Founder of Humane Governance & Legislative Action Coalition (HGLAC). All content, including findings, definitions, provisions, and recommendations, reflects the mission and values of HGLAC and is protected under applicable intellectual property and authorship laws.

For inquiries, citations, or partnership opportunities, please contact HGLAC directly at contact@hotgirlsloveanimals.org.

© 2025 HGLAC | Edited September 25, 2025