Dog lemon law protects, offially known as pet lemon law, protects people who purchase dogs and cats from pet stores or commercial breeders. Seventeen states have dog lemon laws in place. Dog lemon laws in other states are pending. I will address each state's guidelines for dog lemon laws below. State Dog lemon law generally involve the following:
>Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
>Replacement and Refund Policies
>Public Notice on Rules
>Medical Testing of Pets
The Humane Society of the United States has created a database to allow pet owners to see if dog lemon laws have been proposed or are currently under consideration in their state. Read on for state specific dog lemon laws. We update our blog often.
Arizona Dog Lemon Laws - Title 44, Chapter 11, Article 17 of the Arizona RevisedStatutes "Pet Dealers" section. Covers contagious or infectious
diseases for 15 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered for up to 60 days.
Arkansas Dog Lemon Laws - Section 4-97-105 of the Arkansas Code. Applies to dogs and cats only. Health problems are covered for 10 days.
California Dog Lemon Laws - The Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act (HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, SECTION 122045-122222). Covers contagious or
infectious diseases for 15 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered for up to 1 year. This lemon law is for dogs and cats only.
Connecticut Dog Lemon Laws - Section 22-344b of the CT Code. Dogs and cats are covered for health problems for 15 days. Reimbursements for veterinary bills can not exceed two hundred dollars.
Delaware Dog Lemon Laws - Section 4005 of the DE Code. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 20 days; congenital or hereditary defects
are covered for up to 2 years. The animal can be either returned for a full refund of the purchase price, exchanged, or retained. Reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees can not exceed the original purchase price of the animal. Parasites are covered if they make the animal clinically ill.
Florida Dog Lemon Laws - Florida State Statute 828.29. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 14 days; congenital or hereditary defects
are covered for up to 1 year.
Maine Dog Lemon Laws - Title 7, Part 9, Chapter 745: SALE OF DOGS AND CATS. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 10 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered for up to 1 year.
Massachusetts Dog Lemon Laws - 330 CMR 12.05. Health problems in dogs and cats are covered for 14 days. Requires a refund or a replacement animal - no veterinary bill reimbursement.
Minnesota Dog Lemon Laws - Section 325F.791 of the MN Code. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 10 days; congenital or hereditary defects
are covered for up to 1 year. This lemon law is for dogs and cats only.
New Hampshire Dog Lemon Laws - Section 437.13 of the NH Code. Refunds or substitutions for up to 14 days; does not cover vet bills. Includes dogs, cats, and ferrets.
New Jersey Dog Lemon Laws - NJ Statute 56:8-93. Contagious or infectious diseases are covered for 14 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered up to 6 months. The consumer has the right to return the dog or cat and receive a full refund or replacement plus reimbursement of veterinary fees; or retain the dog or cat and receive reimbursement of veterinary fees plus the cost of
future veterinary fees.
New York Dog Lemon Laws - Article 35-D Section 753 of the General Business Law. Health conditions in dogs and cats are covered for 14 days.
Nevada Dog Lemon Laws - Section 574.490 of the Nevada Code. Covers health problems for up to 10 days. Provides refund of purchase price,replacement of equal value, or reimbursement of vet bills, in an amount not to exceed the purchase price of the pet.
Pennsylvania Dog Lemon Laws - Contagious or Infectious Diseases are covered: 10 days; Congenital or Hereditary Defects: 30 days
South Carolina Dog Lemon Laws - Section 47-13-160 of the SC Code. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 14 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered for up to 6 months. Pet store liability for veterinary fees must not exceed fifty percent of the purchase price, including sales tax, of the animal.
Vermont Dog Lemon Laws - 20V.S.A. sec. 4302. Covers contagious or infectious diseases for 7 days; congenital or hereditary defects are covered
for up to 1 year.
Virginia Dog Lemon Laws - 3.1-796.80. Health problems are covered for 10 days. Must return the pet to recieve refund or exchange.
Dog lemon laws in other states are pending. Please visit our blog often and visit site sponsors for dog lemon law attorneys and other resources.
