The Dog Purchaser Protection Act of Pennsylvania was signed in 1997.
The Dog Purchaser Protection of 1997 is commonly referred to as te Puppy Lemon Law. This law protects consumers from purchasing a sick puppy and protects puppies from breeders who breed dogs and raise puppies in unhealthy conditions. All owners of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)- and Pennsylvania-licensed kennels and pet stores must comply with the law. Non-profit shelters are exempt.
Certificate
Any consumer who buys a dog or puppy must be given a health certificate issued by a veterinarian. In lieu of this certificate, the seller and buyer sign a letter stating they agree the dog is in good health. The guarantee is good for 10 days on infectious diseases and 30 days for genetic diseases.
Information
Sellers of registered breeds of dogs must supply certain information about the breeder to the buyer within 120 days of purchase. The information includes the breeder's name, address, information about the sire and dam and pedigree registry organization. If this information is not provided, the consumer may return the dog for a refund, or keep the dog for a refund of half the purchase price. Anyone who sells puppies without a license may be fined up to $1,000 for each puppy sold (as of 2010).
Options
If the dog becomes sick or dies during guarantee period, the owner can return the dog for a refund or exchange the dog. He also has the option, if desired, to keep the dog and be reimbursed for veterinary costs up to the purchase price, if the dog shows improvement. Sellers must give the refund, replacement or reimbursement within 14 days of a vet's exam. Seller also have the option to have their own vet exam the dog.
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