LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky's legislature has adopted rescue dogs and cats as the official pets of the Commonwealth, capping a remarkable seven-year advocacy campaign led by 13-year-old Frankfort resident Ethan Branscum.

Senate Bill 37, which passed both chambers in the final hours of the 2026 legislative session, designates the Treeing Walker Coonhound as Kentucky's official state dog breed while naming domestic cats and dogs from shelters and rescue organizations across all 120 counties as the Commonwealth's official pets.

Branscum first envisioned the idea at age 6 after learning that Ohio had declared rescue animals its official state pet. He began working with his mother to photograph adoptable animals at the Franklin County Humane Society and post them online, believing the designation could boost adoption rates. Over the following years, he testified before lawmakers multiple times, and bills were filed in successive sessions—though each stalled due to various obstacles, including COVID-19 disruptions.

Rep. Erika Hancock, D-Frankfort, crafted the amendment that made Branscum's vision law, recognizing rescue pets from "shelters or rescue organizations" across the state. Speaking on the House floor near 10 p.m. Wednesday, Hancock praised the teenager's persistence, noting his "seven-year quest" had taught him lessons textbooks cannot. "He has learned that what looks easy, isn't. It takes hard work, dedication, patience and cooperation to pass a bill," she said.

Beyond its symbolic value, the legislation aims to increase awareness of shelter and rescue animals waiting for homes across Kentucky. Hancock emphasized that the recognition extends to "the thousands of animals and shelters" across the state, "it is about adoption, and it's about recognizing the value in every animal."

Branscum, who has spent an estimated 15 hours weekly supporting animals in his community, continues expanding his reach. Through his nonprofit, Ethan's Rescue Pet Project, he operates a homeless pet food pantry in Frankfort and educates youth about animal welfare and civics. He also works with disaster victims and rescue efforts.

The bill now heads to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk for final approval. An additional amendment by Rep. Derek Lewis, R-London, designates the eastern spotted skunk as Kentucky's official state nongame mammal and the eastern hellbender as the state amphibian, citing the hellbender's dependence on clean water.