House Approves Pet “Lemon Law”

The state House of Representatives on Friday unanimously passed a “pet lemon law,” according to the house’s official website.

The bill says pets shops must reimburse buyers up to $500 for veterinarian bills if they sell them an animal with an existing condition and that animal becomes sick or dies from that condition. The bill also applies to animals that are diagnosed with a serious congenital defect within six months of being sold.

If passed, pet shops would have to post signs about the law. The bill forbids the pet shop to demand the pet be returned as part of the veterinarian reimbursement.

The bill now moves on to the state Senate.

Editor's note: See also this blog post: "Help Assure the Passage of the Puppy Lemon Law For Pet Store Puppies"