Sell puppies with documentation proving their good health to avoid liability.
The puppy lemon law enacted in a number of states was created with the rights of the consumer in mind. The buyer of a puppy that gets sick or dies within a certain period after the day of purchase now has recourse against the seller of the puppy, whether it is the breeder, a broker or a pet store. Although puppy mills and dishonest breeders may be responsible for putting poor-quality puppies on the market, reputable breeders need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities if they are to avoid being charged under this law.
Right to Defense
If a puppy you sell becomes ill, you will have the right to defend yourself against the allegations. The best way to do this is to ensure that throughout the breeding process, you provide quality care for the dogs. The requirement of the California puppy lemon law states, "A breeder shall maintain a written record on the health, status and disposition of each dog for a period of not less than one year after disposition of the dog."
Keep the Mother Healthy
Take your pregnant bitch to the veterinarian before she is due to give birth. Keep her vaccinations up to date and ensure that she does not have contact with strange dogs when she is close to whelping. Keep the bitch and her quarters clean and free of parasites and buy the vitamins and food supplements recommended by your veterinarian to keep her strong during breastfeeding.
Produce Healthy Puppies
Make sure both parents are checked for congenital conditions before you allow them to breed. Once the puppies arrive, keep them in clean, warm surroundings away from dogs that might carry parasites or diseases. Get the puppies checked by your veterinarian after the birth and again shortly before they are ready to be sold. Have them vaccinated and de-wormed and get documentation confirming these procedures.
Sell to Qualified Buyers
Never sell puppies to a pet store or a dealer in multiple dogs, as the puppies can become sick through contact with infected dogs. Sell your puppies only after conducting a thorough check of the buyer, including a visit to his home to view the puppy's sleeping quarters, the security of the premises and the condition of his other pets.
Sign a Contract
A contract is necessary in most states under the puppy lemon law. The contract should require the buyer to confirm that he has received the puppy in good health, along with its vaccination records and a recent veterinarian's certificate of good health. The contract should contain the date of purchase, the price paid for the puppy, and details of the time frame and the reasons for which you will consider a refund or replacement. It should also contain an exclusion clause stating that you are not responsible for injuries to the puppy that occur after it has left your premises, or illness from exposure to parasites for which it has had preventative treatment while in your care. If you follow all these steps you will have fulfilled your responsibilities as a breeder and will have the right to defend yourself against any recourse under this law, and to profit from the puppies you produce.
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