BARK Act of 2025

This legislation, known as the BARK Act of 2025, aims to encourage donations of pet food and supplies by providing liability protections. It shields individuals, nonprofit organizations, and state or local governments from civil or criminal liability when they donate or receive "apparently fit pet-related products" in good faith. These products are defined as pet food or supplies that meet all quality and labeling standards but may not be readily marketable due to factors like appearance, age, or surplus. The protections extend to donations for pets, emotional support animals, and service animals, covering issues related to the product's nature, age, packaging, or condition. However, these liability waivers do not apply if an injury or death results from **gross negligence** or **intentional misconduct**. The bill also allows for liability protection for donations of products that initially do not meet all standards, provided the recipient is informed of the defects, agrees to recondition the items, and possesses the necessary knowledge to do so properly.