General Information: Requirements of Pet Store and Resellers

Before you buy a pet, you have a right to know about the pet's health, family history or pedigree, training, and medical care, both normal and unusual. Many states even have specific "right to know" laws for pet purchasers. If your state doesn't, then general warranty laws apply.

If you buy a pet, and it turns out that it's sick or injured, your recourse may depend on whether you bought the pet from a pet shop or a private owner. It also may depend on whether you had a written contract, and what express and implied warranties exist under your state's laws. It also matters whether you bought this pet for a specific purpose, such as breeding it for competition. In general, it's best for you and the seller to sign a written agreement about your pet that will clarify most of a new owner's questions.

One way of avoiding problems is to ask the seller for the name of the pet's veterinarian. Ask the vet for an opinion on the pet's health, which may alert you to potential problems before you complete the purchase.

If you have a problem with a pet purchase, many of the old standbys apply: Immediately notify the seller in writing, keeping a copy for yourself. Keep all contracts, papers, and even the original advertisement, if there was one. If you have not received a replacement or refund within thirty days, consider filing a small-claims lawsuit. Don't worry about becoming an expert on pet law. The judge will probably base a decision on the fairness of the case, not on technicalities.

Reprinted from FindLAW (www.findlaw.com)