ABA Family Legal Guide

Contracts and Consumer Law

Special Consumer Protections

Pets

Do states have pet laws that cover an owner's rights when purchasing an animal?

Many states do have such laws. Some require pet stores to make detailed disclosures to buyers on such topics as the animal's health, age, and history (for example, immunization records and other health information). Some even have lemon laws that make it easier for buyers to get their money back if they have purchased a sick animal. If your state doesn't have such laws, then general warranty laws apply.