Health Guarantee and Pet Purchaser Protection Acts
Even though it's an exciting day and it's the last thing on your mind at the time, have a conversation with the breeder at pick-up about their health guarantees. Many breeders will have additional coverage in case of illness or injury, but make sure just in case.
Lancaster Puppies asks that you plan to take your new puppy to a licensed veterinarian within ten days of purchase. Ask for any paperwork, and keep it on-hand when you take your pup to the vet. If your breeder doesn’t offer a health guarantee, keep in mind that many states have laws to protect your purchase regardless of whether a seller advertises a health guarantee.
Due to Pet Purchaser Protection Acts (which we partially recreate below) you might want to print out and keep the technical document handy before, during and after your purchase!
What Remedies Are Available to Me As a Purchaser?
If, within 30 days of purchase, a licensed veterinarian determines that your puppy has a congenital or hereditary concern which adversely affects his or her health, or that the puppy has passed away due to a congenital or hereditary defect, you are eligible to seek protection from your state’s Heath Guarantee laws.
Once you have been approved as eligible for a remedy under a Pet Purchaser Protection Act, you will receive a list of potential remedies available to you. These can include but are not limited to:
- returning your puppy for a full refund
- exchanging your puppy for one of equal or lesser value
- keeping the puppy and receiving reimbursement for reasonable care of the associated veterinary fees
Which Types of Sellers are Affected?
With respect to the legal update, both breeders and private sellers are impacted. Historically, these laws were usually only applied to pet stores. Today, the type of seller also tends to vary on a state-by-state basis.