We got a puppy last Sunday from a well known pet chain and when I took her to the vet 2 days ago, she was diagnosed with Giardia, hookworm and conjunctivitis. None of these ailments could have possibly been contracted while in our care... we do not have any other dogs, and our cat is healthy (she went to the vet on the same day). She has to take 2 medications and revisit the vet next weekend which will end up costing me well over $100.00. Why should I have to pay for this? She wasn't cheap, so shouldn't the pet store be selling heathy animals? We are attached to her so I do not want to give her back to the pet store, but I believe they should reimburse me for her vet bills... what do you guys think?
2007-11-05 06:01:25 · 20 answers · asked by Samantha 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
They said they would pay for the worm medication, but that wasn't even the expensive one! And to all of you who think I 'funded a puppy mill' by getting her... just because she was in a pet store doesn't mean she deserves to not have a home. We didn't go to the pet store seeking out a puppy; we bought her because she was the right dog for us. We liked her temprement and behavior.
2007-11-05 06:10:19 · update #1
what kind of contract did you sign??
have you let teh petshop know about the problem??
If yuou are in the US there are lemon laws on the selling of pups in almost everystate. YOu need to find out the laws in your area.
2007-11-05 06:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is EXACTLY why people preach about NOT buying from a pet store. Not only do you get a sick pup, but the pet store offers VERY LITTLE help. You could have gotten a pet quality pup from a good breeder for a lot less and had a healthier pup and support fro the rest of it's life.
Live and learn.
Check you contract and see what it says about the matter in it.
It is great that you loved her, but you DID fund the puppymill. Yes, in a perfect world all puppies deserve a home. But at a pet store, when someone buys a puppy, they order another one to take it's place. So another poor, sick puppy will be right behind this one. Maybe it will get a good home. Maybe the next people will return it when they find out it is sick and the store will euthanize it rather than spend money on it. Happens all the time. By buying one, you provide a space for another.
2007-11-05 14:08:26 · answer #2 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Most states have a 7 day rule regulating the health of a purchased animal. Consult the paperwork that the petstore gave you with the sale and it will outline your state's provisions - if they did not supply you with this they are out of compliance and need to be reported. In general when presented with the vet's certified diagnoses in the alloted time the store can opt to pay for the vet bills or return your money in full when you return the puppy. Some are allowed to sustitute animals and this is their choice. Most people fall in love with their animals and they know this so will often offer the exchange rather than the refund or payment as they know you wont take them up on it. Consult your states regulations. Sorry this happened but the last two problems are not serious if she can overcome the giardia. Good luck.
2007-11-05 14:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by *ifthatswhatyoureinto* 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry about what happened to your puppy. Honestly, the pet store should pay for the medication but they probably will give you some lame excuses to get out of it. They do that because they buy the puppies from either broker or puppy mills directly, which are well know for producing poor quality puppies. A lot of people have the same thought as you do, which is these pups deserve to have a good home althoug they come from puppy mills. They don't realize that these puppy millers know how you guys are thinking, that's why they never stop producing puppies. They are using your sympathy as a tool to make money. What we need to do is not to buy any puppies from pet stores, although they deserve to be spoiled or live in good homes. Imagine that they may die couple weeks after they go home. It's not fair to them and their owners.
2007-11-05 14:35:54 · answer #4 · answered by Wild Ginger 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check with the store and any warranties they offered, some will pay or they will replace the dog, but if their only offer is replacement, and you wish to keep it, then you will probably have to cover the bill yourself. Just because you bought a dog from a pet store does not mean it will be healthy, just means you are paying top dollar for a dog you know nothing about. I am sorry you had to pay vet bills, but that is part of pet ownership, heck my "free" dog cost me $300 in the first 2 weeks.
2007-11-05 14:08:31 · answer #5 · answered by julvrug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it matters wither you buy from a pet store or breeder. I recently bought a puppy from a breeder with health problems. I feel I was sold a sick puppy, she is also vomiting, suffering from diarrhea and looks as though she has gloomy eyes. I feel I should get my money back as I researched this parasite called Giardia to find that it incubates in the body 1-2 weeks before it shows up in the stool. I am trying to investigate my rights as a buyer to get my money back. Maybe that is something you can tell the pet store. I am scared for my puppy.
2007-11-05 19:10:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So just because you felt sorry for a puppy in a pet store, you bought it? Did you do any research on where these dogs come from at all? You got exactly what you paid for-a sick puppy mill dog with lots of contagious issues. It only proves all of our points-DON'T BUY FROM PET STORES!
If you are lucky, the store may consider covering some of the bills, but seeing how they are in the profit-only business, I wish you luck with that!
You have learned a valuable lesson here, and one I hope you remember for the future. Pay the bills, get your puppy fixed, love her, and next time don't buy from a pet store.
2007-11-06 00:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by anne b 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Im not an exbert on this but I think you should talk to them and your vet may know if they should.I dont think they wll but its worth a choice.
next time your getting a dog DONT get it from a petshop its better to get it from a breeder because the people in the petshop will sell you anything and if something is wrong with the animal like the way your dog is sick they can cover it up till the pet is yours.They have thier ways.
best of luck with your new dog.
2007-11-05 14:08:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would probably atleast fill them in on whats went on and what all was wrong with the puppy and then see if they would. All they can say is no, and next time make sure you get a health certificate with the dog because they should have to take care of the animals that they are selling!
2007-11-05 14:08:07 · answer #9 · answered by Brooke2o04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did your puppy come with a purchase agreement or healthy puppy guarantee? Most reputable breeders provide this because they have taken the times and are committed to the welfare of their breed. But most puppy stores do not do this, they buy their puppies from puppy mills and they are concerned with financial gain. Since you do love your puppy, see if the store manager will reimburse you ? Or split the cost. Appeal to their customer service and reputation.
2007-11-05 14:08:01 · answer #10 · answered by Rexydoberman 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they should reimburse you... no, they probably won't without a lot of work on your part.
That really is the hazard of buying a puppymill puppy from a pet store.
You can check with your state's Attorney General and find out if there are any puppy lemon laws in your state... and you can write a certified letter demanding reimbursement and threatening to notify the Better Business Bureau (include copies of your charges).
2007-11-05 14:22:06 · answer #11 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋