![]() ![]() Some states’ pet lemon laws have specific protections for people who buy a pet that is advertised as being a purebred that can be registered with a specific group, like the American Kennel Club (AKC). Do pet lemon laws require sellers to provide registration papers for purebreds? In the case of a dog, the use and fitness will depend on whether it was purchased as a companion animal or as a show dog. Courts determine goods’ intended use and whether or not they’re fit on a case-by-case basis. The implied warranty means that goods should be fit for the use for which they’re sold. While it may be distressing as an animal lover to look at your pet as a good, this legal definition can help you if your dog dies or gets sick shortly after they purchase it because goods come with an implied warranty of merchantability. The UCC defines goods as moveable items that can be sold. Many of the protections in these states will be determined by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). If you live in a state without a specific pet lemon law, contact the State Attorney General’s Office or a contract law attorney. ![]() In states without pet lemon laws, buyers’ rights will vary based on the contract laws in the state. What protection exists in states without pet lemon laws? State laws vary on how much can be reimbursed for veterinary costs and whether or not state taxes are included in a refund if the owner wants to return the dog or cat. Keep the pet and get reimbursed for qualifying veterinary expenses.Exchange the pet for one of similar value.In most states, owners have three options if their dog or cat gets sick: The timeline for discovering a genetic problem ranges from one month to over a year, depending on the state. For example, in Vermont pet owners are only protected if the animal they bought gets sick within seven days, while those in Illinois have 21 days. Although most states protect owners if the animal gets sick within two weeks, the exact time frame varies. In general, the laws require the seller to take action if the dog gets sick, develops a hereditary problem or dies within a specified period of time. If you live in a state with a puppy lemon law, contact the State Attorney General’s Office or a local lawyer to get the most recent information on the laws in your state. There is no standard for the length of time new owners are protected or for their options if their pet becomes ill. Laws and protections available vary between states with pet purchase protection acts. This included reading the text of pet purchase protection laws for several states, reading two law review articles, reviewing relevant sections of the Animal Legal and Historical Web Center site run by Michigan State University and reading the American Veterinary Medical Association newsletter articles on animal law.Īs of this article’s publication, the following states had some sort of pet purchase protection act:Ĭommon questions about pet and puppy lemon laws What protections do puppy lemon laws offer? Methodology: For this article, I spent over 35 hours researching pet lemon laws and animal law. If you live in a state without puppy lemon laws, you might be able to get compensation from the breeder or seller if their new puppy becomes sick. ![]() Retain all paperwork related to the purchase and the cost of care.Īs of 2017, 22 states have enacted pet purchase protection acts. To receive reimbursement for veterinary costs or the purchase price of the animal, seek medical attention for your new puppy if it gets sick. Options usually include returning the animal for a refund, exchanging it, keeping it and receiving a partial refund and/or be reimbursed for veterinary costs associated with treating it. Pet lemon laws, commonly called puppy lemon laws or pet lemon laws, make it easier for pet purchasers to get their money back if a recently purchased pet becomes sick or dies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |