September 24, 2026 - SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill (AB) 1999, authored by Assemblymember Kalra (D-San José), has been signed into law by 
Governor Newsom. AB 1999 makes common-sense changes to veterinary care statute to better protect the health of domestic animals and improve access to care from qualified veterinary professionals. Specifically, the bill creates streamlined pathways for retired volunteer veterinary professionals and out-of-state veterinarians to join shelter veterinary care teams and reduces statutory inefficiencies that may unnecessarily increase veterinary staff workload.
“Veterinarians, pet shelters, and animal welfare advocates all agree that AB 1999 will collectively make a difference in how we care for our pets and support our shelters,” Assemblymember Kalra said. “Thank you to our sponsor coalition who came together to respond to our pet overpopulation crisis through meaningful changes aimed at animal welfare and making veterinary care more accessible for everyday pet owners.”
In 2023, Assemblymember Kalra authored ACR 86, which encouraged the state to address its pet overpopulation crisis by supporting high-volume spay-and-neuter services and filling critical veterinary staffing gaps with qualified out-of-state professionals. By providing new avenues to address shelter staffing shortages, AB 1999 will help the state meet the goals put forth by ACR 86.
“We are absolutely elated that Governor Newsom has signed AB 1999. This is a tremendous victory for animals, pet owners, shelters, nonprofits, and veterinary professionals throughout California. We thank every member of the Legislature for their unanimous support, and especially our author, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who has worked with us on this issue for years and stayed committed to getting these substantial reforms across the finish line,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation.
“Some of the most egregious cases of harm the Board has seen have been at the hands of unlicensed individuals who have taken advantage of an owner exemption that was never intended to be used by them. AB 1999 protects animals throughout California from preventable harm associated with invasive procedures by ensuring surgical and dental operations are performed by trained, regulated professionals. This is a significant win for California consumers and their animals,” said Jessica Sieferman, Executive Officer, California Veterinary Medical Board.
“The California Veterinary Medical Association applauds Governor Newsom for signing AB 1999, a measure which will help consumers and animals in a meaningful and impactful way by removing barriers for owners when accessing veterinary care for their pets. The new law will also assist animal shelters in battling pet overpopulation by streamlining the licensing process for veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians who serve California's animal shelter population. The CVMA thanks Governor Newsom for his leadership on animal welfare issues and for his support of the veterinary medical profession during his eight years in office, as well as Assemblymember Ash Kalra and the coalition cosponsors and supporters for their hard work in addressing issues pertaining to animals,” said Dr. Peter Bowie, CVMA President.
“Every animal deserves access to timely, high-quality veterinary care, whether they are a cherished member of a family or waiting for a home in a shelter,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “By signing AB 1999, Governor Newsom has helped California remove outdated barriers, strengthen continuity of care and create new pathways for qualified veterinary professionals to serve where they are needed most. We are tremendously grateful to Assemblymember Kalra, the Governor and our partners across the veterinary and animal welfare communities for coming together to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them.”
AB 1999 is co-authored by Assemblymember Berman (D-Menlo Park). The bill is co-sponsored by California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), San Diego Humane Society, and Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL).
Assemblymember Ash Kalra represents California’s 25th Assembly District, which encompasses the majority of San José, including downtown and open space areas in southeast Santa Clara County. He was first elected in 2016, becoming the first Indian American to serve in the California Legislature in state history, and was re-elected to his fifth term in 2024. Assemblymember Kalra is the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and also serves as a member on the Housing & Community Development, Labor & Employment, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy committees.
Source: Assemblymember Ash Kalra