Does your state have a "PET LEMON LAW" ?

[momPaws]

I thought this was interesting...found it looking for something else and didn't know it existed:

http://www.oag.state.ny.us/consumer/tip ... n_law.html

Sounds like a good idea to me as it should act as a deterent and also prvide for a way to stop puppy mill breeders.

ps- most of my little lemons...I have loved so much I wouldn't give them back - but hopefully this law would protect people and animals up front

[TheSkeptic]

I wonder how that would affect shelters. We do not have the facilities or money to pre-check or treat animals before they are adopted. The people are told this before they adopt the animal. We do deworm when enough Panacur or albon is donated to us for that purpose. The entire adoption fee goes to pay for the vet expenses, there is no profit or margin to pay for losses. We have no idea of the health of the animal before it is adopted, other than it appears healthy to us. Once the non-refundable adoption fee is paid, the dog is then sent to the vet for exam, vaccinations, spay or neuter and microchipping. The people are told up front that it is up to them to provide any additional medical care the animal may need. If they decide that the animal is too sick we will retain it, but the fees are non-refundable.

[momPaws]

Good point, Skeptic, was only thinking of breeders when I read that. I always knew when adopting a pet from a shelter (most of them) that what you see is what you get....and you take your chances. In that case- to me-you are agreeing to accept all that comes with that animal.
Wonder if that law would apply to a shelter - seems if it does it could be a big problem for them. Will try to find out and get back with an answer if I get one.
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Maybe this is the key to it:

Who is a Pet Dealer?

A pet dealer is a pet store or breeder who engages in the sale of more than nine dogs or cats a year for profit to the public.

So, maybe it only applies to "Pet Dealers", not shelters

[MicksMom]

We hand out copies of Pet Lemon Laws in class for NY, NJ and PA (our students have gotten puppies from all 3 states). NJ and PA's laws won't affect rescues/shelter, but NY's is so broad I don't know if it would or not.

NJ defines "Pet Dealer" as "any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of dogs or cats to the public for profit or any person who sells or offers for sale more than five dogs or cats in one year". NY's definition is "anyone who sells more than nine animals per year". PA has, by far, the best written lemon law. It's definition of "Pet Dealer" is "Owners of USDA nad PA licensed kennels & pet shops who sell to the public "Non- Profit" kennels (shelters) are exempted".

[k9Karen]

I think the key words here are 'for profit'. I don't think it would take much to prove a shelter doesn't make any profit. I also think that would automatically exempt any government-sponsored shelter or any other, such as the ASPCA or Humane Society who are, by definition, "not for profit" and "tax exempt".