What Are Pet Lemon Laws?
- Pet lemon laws, also known as puppy lemon laws, offer legal protections for buyers if a newly purchased pet becomes sick, has a hereditary issue, or dies.
- Buyers may have options such as:
- Returning the pet for a refund.
- Exchanging the pet for one of similar value.
- Keeping the pet and receiving reimbursement for veterinary costs.
States With Pet Lemon Laws
As of 2017, 22 states have enacted pet purchase protection laws, including:
- Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia.
Key Protections Provided
- Sellers may need to address issues if:
- The pet gets sick within a state-defined time (e.g., 7 days in Vermont, 21 days in Illinois).
- A hereditary problem is discovered (timeframes vary from 1 month to over a year).
- Veterinary reimbursement caps and whether taxes are included in refunds differ by state.
Protections in States Without Pet Lemon Laws
- Buyers may still receive protections under contract law and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which treats pets as \"goods\" with an implied warranty of merchantability.
- Legal coverage depends on the pet's intended purpose (e.g., companion animal vs. show dog).
Other Important Considerations
Registration Papers for Purebreds
- Some laws require sellers to provide advertised registration papers (e.g., from the AKC).
- Failure to do so may result in a partial refund or discount in certain states.
- Buyers in states without specific laws may have some recourse under contract law.
Applicability of Puppy Lemon Laws
- Laws may vary for different seller types:
- Breeders and sellers often have distinct responsibilities.
- Hobby breeders (small-scale, residential breeders) are frequently exempt.
- Online sellers can be subject to jurisdiction challenges; research their reputation before buying.
Steps for Buyers to Protect Their Rights
- Vet Check-Up
-
Take the pet to a veterinarian within 7 days of purchase for a general health exam.
-
Document Everything
-
Retain all purchase-related paperwork, veterinary receipts, and reports for at least 1 year.
-
If Issues Arise:
- Seek immediate veterinary care and document diagnosis and treatment.
- Notify the breeder or seller promptly after the diagnosis.
- Contact the appropriate state agency (e.g., State Attorney General's Office) and/or an animal or contract law attorney.
Common Questions About Puppy Lemon Laws
- Who must follow these laws?
-
Varies by state; often applies to pet shops, breeders, and sellers meeting specific criteria.
-
Do these laws apply to online purchases?
-
Jurisdiction issues may complicate enforcement. Buyers should research online sellers carefully.
-
What if a pet becomes sick or dies?
- Obtain veterinary confirmation that the condition was preexisting or foreseeable by the seller.
By understanding your rights under pet lemon laws and being proactive, you can better protect yourself and your new furry friend!
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
