What to Do If You Get a Sick Puppy

Bringing home a puppy should be a joyful experience, but discovering your new companion is sick can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. Don’t panic - you have options and rights. Here’s what to do, step by step:

1. Visit the Vet Immediately

  • Schedule an exam right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for your puppy’s health and can also provide crucial documentation.

  • Get everything in writing. Ask your vet for a detailed written diagnosis, treatment plan, and, if possible, their professional opinion on whether the illness or condition was pre-existing.

2. Document Everything

  • Save all paperwork: breeder ads, contracts, vaccination records, emails, texts, and receipts.

  • Take photos or videos of your puppy’s symptoms and condition.

  • Keep a timeline of events: when you picked up your puppy, when symptoms started, when you contacted the breeder, and vet visits.

3. Contact the Breeder

  • Notify them in writing (email or text is fine) as soon as possible, attaching your vet’s diagnosis and photos.

  • Request a refund or reimbursement for vet bills, if your contract or state law provides for this. Be polite but firm and keep records of all responses.

4. Review Your Contract and State Laws

  • Check your sales contract: Many have health guarantees, but terms vary.

  • Look up your state’s “puppy lemon laws.” Some states require breeders to provide a health guarantee and mandate refunds, replacements, or reimbursement for medical costs if the puppy is sick.

5. Report the Breeder if Necessary

  • If the breeder refuses to help or you suspect fraud:

    • File complaints with your state’s consumer protection office, department of agriculture, or local animal control.

    • Report to payment processors (credit card, PayPal, etc.) if you paid electronically—dispute the charge as “goods not as described.”

    • Leave honest, factual reviews online to warn others.

6. Consider Legal Action

  • Small claims court: If your financial loss is within your state’s limit, you can sue for breach of contract or misrepresentation (often no lawyer needed).

  • Gather all evidence: vet records, contracts, breeder communications, and payment proof.

7. Support Your Puppy

  • Follow your vet’s instructions for treatment and care.

  • Ask your vet about possible long-term effects and any special care your puppy may need.

Remember: You are not alone. Unscrupulous breeders rely on buyers staying silent. By taking action, you protect not just your own puppy, but help hold breeders accountable and prevent future harm to other dogs and families.