Owners of sick puppies purchased at a pet store are entitled to a refund.
A new pet owner in New York State, who buys a dog or cat from a retail pet store only to find they have a sick animal, can get relief under a state "Pet Lemon Law." According to the Better Business Bureau, customers unhappy with the purchase of a pet that later proves to be sick have their choice of a "refund, exchange, or reimbursement of veterinary costs."
Who is Covered?
The law applies to pet "dealers" who sell more than nine animals per year. This makes the definition of dealer broad enough to include not only large-scale pet store franchises, but also hobby breeders who sell even one litter of nine or more puppies. The New York Pet Lemon Law covers anyone purchasing a puppy from someone considered a dealer under the statutory definition. Pet dealers must post a notice of consumer rights outlining the state law.
What is Covered?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the law covers puppies and kittens examined by a New York State licensed veterinarian and found "unfit for purchase." The medical issues rendering a dog or cat unfit for purchase include illness, hereditary deformities affecting the animal's health, and contagious or infectious disease.
Medical problems not covered include external parasites such as fleas and ticks, and internal parasites such as intestinal worms unless the parasites are causing an illness that would render the animal unfit, such as heartworm. Also not covered are injuries to the animal from something the new owner did after taking possession.
The New York Pet Lemon Law does not address failure of the dealer to provide customers with registration or breeding papers.
Buyer's Relief
Customers who feel as if they have a claim against the pet store or breeder from whom they purchased their cat or dog have 14 days to notify the seller of their intent to return the animal. They must provide veterinary records proving that the animal is truly sick.
The buyer has a choice in his relief. He may take the animal back, choose a replacement and receive reimbursement for veterinary costs. Alternatively, he may ask for a full refund and veterinary fees. In both cases, veterinary fees cannot exceed the purchase price of the animal.
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