BARK Act of 2025 (S-1939)

This bill makes it easier to donate pet food and pet supplies by protecting people, nonprofits, and state/local agencies from lawsuits or criminal charges when they give or receive “apparently fit” items in good faith for animals in need. “Apparently fit” means the products meet labeling and quality rules, even if they aren’t easy to sell because of things like age or appearance. The protection covers the condition, age, and packaging of donated items and applies to donors, nonprofits, and governments that distribute them to animals. It does not protect anyone who acts with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The bill also says it doesn’t override state or local health rules or create new kinds of liability.

If donated items don’t fully meet labeling or quality standards, donors can still be protected if they tell the recipient what’s wrong, and the recipient agrees and is able to fix the items to meet the rules before giving them out.

Key terms include pet food and a wide range of pet supplies like bowls, leashes, bedding, and toys. The bill also references service animals and emotional support animals in its definitions.

Key point	What it means
Who is affected	Donors of pet food/supplies, nonprofits, and state/local governments; pet owners and animal caregivers benefit from more donations
What changes	Good-faith donors and distributors get liability protection for “apparently fit” items; exceptions for gross negligence or intentional misconduct
Items covered	Pet food and many pet supplies (carriers, bowls, collars, toys, bedding, etc.)
If items need fixing	Allowed if the recipient is told the issues and can recondition them to meet standards before distribution
When	The text does not specify an effective date

BARK Act of 2025

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Presidential Signature

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