Know Your Rights Before Buying a Puppy or Kitten
Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General
Division of Consumer Affairs
NEWARK - For some, pets make the perfect gift. If you're
contemplating purchasing a puppy or kitten as a gift for a loved one
this holiday season, there are some things Attorney General Peter C.
Harvey wants you to know.
"Purchasing any pet should not be taken lightly. While there's a lot
of excitement about owning a new pet, there's also a lot of
responsibility that comes with the new addition. Once you've
established that the recipient of the new pet will be a diligent and
loving owner after the holidays are over, make sure you know your
rights under New Jersey law before making that purchase."
Here are tips on what to look for when purchasing a kitten or a puppy:
.. Know the law. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs enforces
regulations that govern the sale of cats and dogs. These regulations
provide consumers recourse if they buy a cat or dog that is unhealthy
or deemed unfit for sale after examination by a licensed
veterinarian. New Jersey pet dealers must provide consumers with an
animal history certificate that includes the animal's birth date,
age, sex, breed and color; the date the pet dealer took possession of
the animal; the animals' vaccination records; the dates on which the
animal was examined by a license veterinarian; and the name and
address of the breeder or person from whom the pet dealer purchased
the animal.
.. Check to ensure that the store and the animal cages are clean.
Does the puppy or kitten appear friendly and healthy?
.. Make note of the shots the animal has already been given.
.. Pet dealers must provide registration papers within 120 days of
purchase for an animal represented as a pedigree.
.. Upon taking possession of the animal, take it to a licensed
veterinarian for an immediate examination. If the animal is declared
unfit for purchase or dies within 14 days following receipt or within
6 months in the case of a congenital or hereditary cause or
condition, the consumer is entitled to either obtain a full refund,
plus reimbursement of veterinary fees; to keep the animal, attempt to
cure it and receive reimbursement for veterinary fees; or to exchange
the animal and receive reimbursement for veterinary fees. In cases
where the consumer receives reimbursement of veterinary fees, the
refund may not exceed twice the purchase price of the animal.
.. If the animal is sick, it is important to obtain from the
veterinarian who treated the animal an "Unfit for Purchase
Certificate" within the 14-day period. The certificate must be given
to the pet dealer within five days of the animal being declared by
the veterinarian unfit for purchase.
.. Look for a notice informing you of your rights when purchasing an
animal. Pet dealers are required by law to provide you with a copy of
the notice.
Consumers who have a complaint may contact Consumer Affairs' Consumer
Service Center at 800-242-5846 (if calling from within the State of
New Jersey) or 973-504-6200. Consumers may also e-mail Consumer
Affairs at askconsumeraffairs@lps.state.nj.us
or visit its Web site at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov
For the full text of the NJ Pet Purchase Protection Act, please visit our website at http://www.njcapsa.org
NJCAPSA urges people to adopt companion animals from reputable shelters and breed rescue groups.
Libby Williams
New Jersey Consumers Against Pet Shop Abuse (NJCAPSA)
http://www.njcapsa.org
NJCAPSA is a non-profit 501(c)3 advocacy organization working to end abuse of consumers and companion animals by commercial breeders and retail pet shops.
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec. 18, 2004