Is there anything legaly wrong with what I am doing?

Question

Me and my family take in one litter of puppies at a time we then take really good care of them shots vet check good quality dog food.. they are owner surrendered some times we offer cash like a $50 per dog depending on the breed and if it is AKC The people surenddering the dogs know what i am doing I am very honest with them...I am doing what breeders do but I am not but I am not breeding dogs I am just finding great homes.. I have no prblems morally selling the dogs because I know when people pay good money the usaully take great care of the puppies. most of the puppies i recieve are on there way to the pound I am not a puppy broker. SINCE MOST OF THE PUPPIES I RECIEVE ARE NOT AKC. this is a service these people are really happy not to have the burden of a litter any advice thanks

Answer 1

You'll have to check with your local county clerk / court house to check your local laws. If your county or city requires a business license, kennel license, and/or a seller's permit to do what you're doing, and you don't have those things, yes, you're breaking the law.

If someone reports you to Animal Control or the police you can be in a lot of trouble if you're not fully versed in the laws in advance of a complaint. "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" as they say in legal circles.

Answer 2

I am not going to weigh in on what you are doing, because I don't think I completely understand what it is and therefore do not feel able to judge. However, one very important point I want to make is this;

You stated;
"I have no prblems morally selling the dogs because I know when people pay good money the usaully take great care of the puppies"

I just want to say that this is completely untrue. There are many registered dogs that people paid a great deal of money for at shelters, rescue groups etc. Money does not equal responsible, long lasting loving homes. Please make sure you are interviewing interviewing interviewing prospective people.

Answer 3

I don't know that there is anything legally wrong with what you are doing, unless you are misrepresenting where the animals come from to those who buy them.

Morally, however, I think you may have some issues. Sounds like you're a front for puppy mills. I'm sure that you believe you're doing a good service and making a profit, but you're in actuality sentencing thousands of dogs to torture and life in HELL every year by your actions.

I'm sure the puppy millers who supply you the dogs are happy because they know that if anything health-wise were to come up, the new owners would be after you and not them.

Answer 4

I doubt that there is anything legally wrong, and you are right, not much morally wrong either, but you may want to keep record of which dog goes to who, and check up on each animal about a month agter you have adopted them out, also, just a precaution, you may want to speak with a lawyer, and possibly draw up a contract with the people that bring you the puppies ( something that says they give up ownership) and one for the people taking puppies ( saying that they agree that if the dogs are in any way found ill, in bad help, doing poorly, when you come to check up on them, that they must return the pup) just my thoughts.

Answer 5

Yes and no. It sounds like you are doing animal rescue. You may want to look into some local organizations they should be able to help you with the cost of food and vet bills. Most have developed relationships with stores, companies, shelters, and vets. My mom does cat rescue and gets free food from local Petsmart and Walmart. These organizations are always looking for foster families (which is what it sounds like you are doing). To find these organizations check around your local vets, pet stores, and shelters. Being associated with a non profit organization is also beneficial to your as you can claim most costs as donations on your taxes. Now depending on where you live you may be breaking the law. Most urban areas have laws regarding the number of animals you may have in your residence. You may need to apply for a kennel license. This typically includes a visit from the health department to insure the animals are safe and healthy.

Answer 6

I'm glad you're at least an honest buyer, but I still don't think it's right. I think it's legal though, unless you're not transferring AKC papers properly, but I'm not 100%.

Edit: It's not true that people take care of what they spend money on, rescues and shelters are full of such 'things'...puppies and dogs. It's true people won't be *as* impulsive, but as far as care it truly means nothing. Why not foster or rescue instead, if you truly mean well? If it's a way to make money you're just as bad as the breeders! If the breeders are "burdened" by the litters, why the heck are they producing them? If they don't want litters, it's very simple to make sure it doesn't happen...spay/neuter.

Answer 7

Most likely not illegal but yes you are a puppy broker.
You may need to be liscensed by the state or something.
Any one who takes in litters of puppys and then turns around and re-homes them for money is a broker.
Unless you have a 501-3c status with the IRS as a tax exempt charity you are a broker as you are making money on selling dogs.
Not illegal

Answer 8

I agree that you should probably check with the local animal control office but I say Bless you. I try and do the same for so many stray cats that people just throw out ..won't spay neuter or get proper shots so ..I would say you are doing a great service for the animals and your area!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!

Answer 9

Depending on what state you live in it may or may not carry legal issues. It would be best if you checked your local laws and state laws for those answers. It is better to be safe than sorry. In some areas this could cause some serious legal problems if the wrong person were to find out and report you.

Answer 10

A person that pays lots of money for an animal, doesn't necessarily provide it a good home. This is a misnomer. There is nothing wrong with what you are doing. If anything, I think it is fantastic that you are willing to take the animals in and find them homes instead of they original owners sending them to the pound.