PA Lemon Law for Puppies clearly outlines your responsibility as a dog breeder:
Buyers must take newly purchased dogs to a state-licensed veterinarian within 10 days of purchase to protect their rights under the Dog Purchaser Protection Act.
If, within 10 days after purchase, the dog dies or is determined by a veterinarian to have a contagious, infectious, parasitic illness or becomes clinically ill, the following options can be taken:
1. Return for a complete refund;
2. Return for a replacement dog of equal value; OR
3. Retain the dog and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, not exceeding the purchase price.
If within 30 days, the dog dies or is determined to have a congenital or hereditary defect that adversely affects the animal, the following options can be taken:
1. Return for a complete refund;
2. Return for a replacement dog of equal value; OR
3. Retain the dog and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, not exceeding the purchase price.
A veterinarian’s certification of illness, congenital or hereditary defects or death is necessary for a purchaser to get a refund, replacement puppy or even for reimbursement of veterinary costs.
First, the seller must be notified of the examining veterinarian’s name, address, and telephone number, and that the dog has a certified illness, defect, or has died. Then, the purchaser must present the veterinarian certification within 5 days of receiving it.
Refunds or reimbursements made be made no later than 14 days after the seller receives the veterinarian’s certification.
Be sure to include a signed contract along with every puppy that leaves from your farm or kennel. Whoever you use for advertising can probably supply you with a contract.
The most common cause for puppy illnesses relate directly to vaccines and deworming. For Vaccines follow your vets recommendations and be sure to vaccinate your adults. For parasites follow a good worming protocol. Also pay close attention to fecal matter/manure. That is a direct report on your puppies’ digestive system/gut health. A good solid stool will very rarely test positive for parasites. If you pay close attention to the puppy’s stools before the puppies leave you can avoid a lot of issues. Watch for future articles on parasite detection and identification.
As a responsible breeder if issues arrive after puppies have left be very communicative. Do not delay returning that call. The quicker your response, the better the customer will trust you. Your reputation as well as the plain community’s reputation is on the line. Be sure to be concerned and follow up with more phone calls if needed. Your concern about the puppy’s well-being will greatly help to retain your reputation. Depending on how you respond you will be branded a puppy mill! They can post your name and their bad experience online where other buyers can find it and affect future puppy sales for you and anyone else with the same name.
Most folks will want to keep the puppy and expect you to pay the bill. Never be stubborn to refund money if they can provide a vet bill as evidence. Most folks are honest and expect you to stand behind your sale as you stated. Bear in mind, it is possible they have never dealt with a plain sect person before and their experience with you could very well influence their opinion of the plain sect folks for a long time. “Be ye a light to the world” Most buyers have read online reviews and are possibly already a little hesitant to purchase a puppy directly from a plain sect breeder that is not licensed. By being a licensed breeder you can elevate the confidence level of the customer.
