State Law in Washington State
 

We recently got a puppy from a breeder and it has become very sick and we have already racked up $3000 in vet bills. The breeder is saying they will pay the purchase price ($700) but nothing extra...anyone have any insight on Washingtno State Law regarding our legal rights?

Did you sign a contract with them? When I bought Bella the breeder and I signed a contract which indicated that in the event she had health problems I would be able to 1) Exchange the pup or 2) Take it to their regular vet and have her treated there. Also, did you get the pup's health checked right when you got her? There are certain terms to a contract that must be followed immediately to enable you to protect your rights as well as the breeder's. I'm sorry that you went through all this.

Bet Kim could help with that as it sounds like a legal issue..

The Bill of Sale says that they will pay up to the amount of the purchase price...but if the law is different that will supercede the bill of sale...i just cant find any information on the net...

I hope your baby is feelign better soon. I tried to search on the internet for you but cannot find anything on washington state puppy lemon laws. That doesnt mean they don't exist where you are I just cannot find them.

Maggie's breeder guarantees her puppies for two years. They cost a little more in the beginning, but the peace of mind is worth it in the long run.

blykmyk44

please email me at kkingpdx@comcast.net or call 503-777-4224

I will be happy to help you if I can

I am so sorry your puppy is ill. What is the illness because that may have some bearing on the breeder's responsibility.

I would also have to research it but in most states dogs are considered "property" and if someone killed or injured your dog , absent the existence of a contract, the most the law would make them pay is the "value of the dog". Sometimes that is the purchase price, sometimes it is the replacement value. It is similar to the law if a car is totalled. They don't have to pay to "fix" the car if it is more than the "value of the car". It is sad, but they may not have to pay for the vet to heal (or "fix") the dog, if it would cost more to do that than the dog's value in the market place. Unfortunately, it is not based on what the dog is worth to you because we all know that our dogs are priceless and we would pay almost anything to cure them if they became ill as if they were one of our children. Unfortunately, the law in most states does not agree with these sentiments.

I have not studied "puppy lemon laws" however.

The contract would normally control as you said, unless there is a law which invalidates certain parts of the contract.

Here's a list of states that I could find carry the Puppy Lemon Law. Hope it helps....

http://everythingsheltie.org/lemonlaw.htm

laws
 

And she should check out that Pet lemon law...perhaps they have it in Washington. She could get the price of the pup back, or another pup AND vet bills up to the price of the puppy. (Florida)

Here is a link to all states lemon puppy law. The breeder should help you with at least some of the medical bills! she would have had to anyway if she had not already sold you the puppy. goodluck! let me know if this link does not work.

http://www.malteseonly.com/lemon.html