A Lemon Law...for Pets?

In just about every state across the country, if someone purchases a new car that needs repeated mechanical work; consumers are protected by so-called "lemon laws" that provide remedies for defective automobiles. These laws also apply to various other types of products, and now the Illinois State Senate has enacted similar legislation to cover the purchase of cats and dogs as well.

But that's in Illinois. So what about here on the West Coast? Turns out we too have the same protections in place in California. Put into law last year, the Pet Breeder Warranty Act provides owners with options in the event that the pet they have purchased becomes sick due to an illness or disease that reveals itself within 15 days of transacting the deal. Luckily, the warranty also covers pets in the first year of sale if any issues arise due to congenital or hereditary conditions.

If your pet does become ill and needs serious or prolonged medical attention, you have a few options...

You can keep the pet. The law allows for you to get your money back from the seller as well as an additional 50% of the purchase price to cover any vet costs.

You can return your pet as if it were a piece of merchandise, in exchange for a complete refund or a different animal of equivalent cost. You are also entitled to reimbursement of medical expenses.

In the unfortunate event your pet dies, you can get a full refund or another animal of equal value. You are also entitled to a full 100% reimbursement of all veterinary costs equal to the price you paid for the animal.

The law does not apply to rescue groups or private shelters, but animal rights advocates applaud this law because pets bought from pet stores or other retail outlets often come from puppy mills and other breeding sources that do not meet adequate standards of operation.