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The Dog Purchaser Protection Act
  
 
Many people who have encountered health problems with pets obtained directly or indirectly from puppy mills may be unaware that under certain conditions they have legal recourse. In Pennsylvania, the Dog Purchaser Protection Act (commonly referred to as the Puppy Lemon Law) mandates refunds or reimbursement of veterinarian expenses within a specified period of time after a sale. You can learn more about this law by visiting the official website of the Pennsylvania Attorney General here.

The following is a brief summary of the Dog Purchaser Protection Act. It does not include every aspect of the law and UAPM does not guarantee coverage. We urge you to read the act in its entirety via the link above or call (800) 441-2555 for a copy.

  • Seller must provide buyer with a health record.
  • Seller must provide a health certificate.
  • Buyer must have the dog examined by a veterinarian within 10 days of purchase. If the dog is ill or has died from an injury sustained on the date of sale or prior then there are three options:
    • Return the dog for a complete refund.
    • Return the dog for a replacement dog of equal value.
    • Retain the dog and receive reimbursement for medical bills not exceeding the purchase price.
  • If within 30 days of purchase a veterinarian determines that the dog has a congenital or hereditary defect or if the dog has died from such a defect, the buyer then has the same three options as above.
  • Buyer has 2 business days from the veterinary certification to notify the seller or the buyer forfeits his/her rights.
  • Refunds or reimbursements must be made within 14 days after seller receives veterinary certification.

If you find yourself in a situation to which this law applies, we would strongly urge you to elect to keep the puppy and demand medical reimbursement. This will prevent the seller from simply reselling the dog to another person or otherwise disposing of it. We believe this course of action will have the best chance of discouraging unethical behavior on the part of these breeders as well as being in the best interests of the puppy.

Also, if you have ever purchased a puppy from a pet store, through an internet contact, or from a large scale breeder and encountered health issues, we'd like to hear your story. Please contact us through this link.