Pennsylvania’s puppy lemon law helps new pet owners with ‘defective’ dogs

The ASPCA may have flipped their stance on giving pets as gifts for Christmas, but for many soon-to-be pet owners, that's an upsetting possibility. To get stuck with a pet that you didn't want—especially one that requires extra care—is generally a low-level nightmare. But, luckily here in Pa., we have a puppy "lemon law" to get out of messes like that.

Dubbed the "Dog Purchaser Protection Act," Pennsylvania's puppy lemon law was enacted in 2008 and functions much in the same way as lemon laws for cars. Essentially, the law allows new pet owners to return their pups should an unforeseen health complication crop up for a refund or new animal.

As Conshohocken's Playful Pets manager Beth Ann Neuchwanter tells Fox 29:

 "There are a lot of times when consumers see this cute puppy that they love, they bring it home, but they don't realize until after the fact there is a health issue with this animal," Feldman said. "So a puppy lemon law is designed to protect consumers who buy dogs or other pets"

That, however, doesn't get new owners off the hook scot-free should they decide they simply don't want a perfectly healthy pet anymore. Essentially, our puppy lemon laws requires that the pet store inform the new owner of any health problems, and the owner must bring their animal to the vet to verify any complications. And all within a certain time period.

But don't let that throw you should you come downstairs Christmas morning to a wheezing new pup. There's a system in place to help you out of any newfound obligations.

Because, really, no one wants new responsibilities for Christmas.

[Fox 29]