Buying a Dog in Massachusetts

What Every Consumer Should Know

Buying from a Pet Shop

• All Massachusetts pet shops must be licensed and must display their license in a location that is visible to customers.

• At the time of sale, the pet shop must provide the customer with a copy of the dog's complete medical record and a notice of the 14-day warranty provided for under Massachusetts state law. The customer must sign a statement acknowledging receipt of these materials.

• A veterinarian must have examined the dog within seven days prior to sale. Pet shops must not knowingly sell a sick dog, however, sometimes a dog becomes sick after it is purchased.

• You should have the dog examined by a veterinarian within 14 days of sale. If the examination shows that the dog is diseased or has a congenital disorder, you may return the dog to the pet shop, with the veterinarian's written statement, for a replacement or refund of the purchase price within two business days of the examination.

• Pet shops are NOT required, under Massachusetts state law, to pay veterinarian expenses after purchase.

Buying from a Breeder

• Make sure that you are, in fact, dealing with a breeder. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a pet shop and a breeder. Even if the facility looks like a home, it still may be a pet shop.

• Ask if the business is a licensed pet shop and look for a pet shop license on display.

• Ask to see the puppies' mother. It's especially important to see the mother interact with the puppies; look for signs that she is nursing. Many breeders advertise early, before the puppies are ready to be sold. This is the best time to see them interact.

• Most breeders breed only one or two breeds. Be suspicious if there are many breeds present.

• Do your homework. Research the breed you're interested in buying. This will not only help you find a breed that's right for your lifestyle, but will also help you determine if a breeder is reputable. A breeder should know a lot about the breeds he or she is raising. Ask the breeder about the breed's traits and health tendencies.

• If you have any doubt about whether a breeder is reputable, whether their dogs are healthy, or whether it is in fact a pet shop, don't be afraid to walk out and shop around for a reputable breeder.