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Location
ANIMAL REFUGEE RESPONSE
4770 McEathron Lane
Vacaville, CA 95688
Contact
(707) 330-3747
blythe@animalrefugee.org
About
Animal Refugee Response is a strictly NO-KILL 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to animals in need.
ID #45-3248828
©2026 Animal Refugee Response. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without written permission from Animal Refugee Response
New Animal Welfare Laws
On January 1, 2026, eight new laws took effect in California concerning pet sales and breeding, pet protection, and veterinary care.
Third-Party Broker Ban (AB 519): Prohibits third-party brokers from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits and restricts sales/adoptions to breeders, shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. Also prohibits any broker from selling or adopting out dogs, cats or rabbits under one year of age.
Seller Accountability (AB 506): Requires pet sellers to disclose origin and health information, voids non-refundable deposit contracts, and mandates refunds if contracts are violated.
Dog Importation Transparency
(SB 312): Requires electronic submission of dog health certificates to the CDFA within 10 days of shipment, making this information public.
Cat Declawing Ban (AB 867): Bans declawing unless medically necessary for the cat’s health, with disciplinary action for veterinarians who violate the law.
Stalking Definition Expansion (SB 221): Includes threats to a person’s pet, service animal, or emotional support animal in the definition of stalking.
Disaster Preparedness (AB 478 – The FOUND Act): Requires local governments to establish pet rescue protocols during disasters and hold rescued animals at least 30 days for owners to retrieve them.
Veterinary Staff Duties (AB 516): Clarifies the scope of practice for registered veterinary technicians and vet assistants, allowing them to perform certain healthcare services under veterinarian supervision.
Shelter Veterinary Access (SB 602): Permits designated animal shelters to conduct wellness appointments under remote veterinary supervision.
Free Vax Clinics
Animal Refugee Response held its first Free Vaccination Clinic of 2026 in mid January for community pets. Made possible by Petco Love, parvo/distemper vaccinations were offered for dogs, and respiratory illness/panleukapenia vaccinations were offered for cats. A big thanks to vet techs, Mari and Tiffany for coming to administer the vaccines.
Two more Free Vaccination Clinics are planned for Saturday, February 7, and Saturday, February 28. No appointment is needed. The timing of the clinics enables young puppies and kittens to receive booster vaccinations on schedule, that will build more immunity and better protect them from serious diseases. We encourage all pet owners to protect their animals, including adult dogs and cats, by keeping them current on vaccinations.
Volunteer for Animals
Animal Refugee Response, a strictly NO-KILL 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization is looking for volunteers to help in the daily care of our dogs and cats. Animal lovers, students, retirees, those seeking community service hours are all encouraged to join us in providing a great environment for homeless animals.
We have shifts seven days a week. An orientation and safety training are required. Must be at least 12 years old, dependable, able to follow instructions, and work well as part of a team. For more information, call 707/330-3747.