{"id":352485,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/buying-a-pet.html"},"modified":"2023-11-29T12:17:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T17:17:53","slug":"buying-a-pet","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/buying-a-pet.html","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Buying a Pet<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The laws around buying a pet vary by state, and cover aspects like the animal\u2019s health, age, and background. Some states, like California and Ohio, have stricter rules, ensuring buyers are informed about the pet\u2019s medical history or past aggression. Additionally, pet lemon laws in several states protect buyers if the pet is unhealthy post-purchase. Always check state-specific laws and consider a sales agreement for clarity and protection.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Adopting a pet is different from buying shoes or a laptop. Pets are living beings, but the law treats them like other consumer goods.<\/p>\n

Yet, some unique laws protect the well-being of animals sold as pets. There are also lemon laws and required disclosures that apply to buying pets. State laws set most of these rules. Note that there are different laws for\u00a0service pets<\/a>\u00a0than typical companion animals.<\/p>\n

Whether you adopt through a breeder, kennel, or animal shelter, you should understand the unique legal aspects of the transaction. Learn about the\u00a0consumer protection<\/a>\u00a0laws that can affect pet adoption.<\/p>\n

Disclosure Rules for Pet Sales<\/h2>\n

Regulations for pet sales typically focus on professional breeders and retail sales at pet shops. But, anyone selling puppies or kittens out of their home also might be subject to disclosure requirements.<\/p>\n

Most laws require the seller to disclose specific facts about the pet, such as:<\/p>\n