Below is the link for California's "Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act, which contains information regarding the "Lemon Law" should you find that you have purchased a puppy (or kitten) from a pet store or breeder who turns out to be sick,  crippled or has serious behavior problems. 

This information will explain your rights,  the requirements that breeders and pet stores must disclose to a purchaser, and what to do should the pet dealer fail to provide necessary documentation.

California codes health and safety code section 122125-122220

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

This will take you to the Official California Legislative Information page.  Click on "California Law, then click on the box next to :Health & Safety Code, scroll down and type in 122125-122220 in search box, then click Search.  This will take you to the link, click on the corresponding #'s; 122125-122220, and you can read the law in its entirety.

How Much for that Doggy in the Window?
Authored by: Kate McDuffee, DVM

Let’s face it. We’ve all been victims. You walk past the pet shop on the way to the shoe store. Or you’re looking for bargains at the local flea market. You’re not looking for a puppy.  You don’t really even want a puppy. But there’s just something about those cute brown eyes, or that pitiful facial expression, that you can’t resist.  So, after dropping a few hundred (or thousand) dollars, with assurances that this is a “bargain” for a purebred dog, you bring home the new family member. Sometimes it works out. But, tragically, sometimes it doesn’t.

Have you ever wondered where all of those puppies come from? Sadly, many of them are products of “puppy mills,” also known as puppy farms or commercial breeders. Even the term “private breeder” may refer to a puppy mill. Basically, a puppy mill is any establishment that produces dogs on a large scale for profit. There is little, or more often, no, regard as to the quality of the puppies. Quantity is what counts. Puppy mills exist, in one form or another, in nearly every state, but Missouri and Pennsylvania seem to have the highest number. The puppies are shipped around the country to brokers, pet stores, flea markets and sometimes even auctions, much like livestock, then delivered to unsuspecting consumers who think that they are getting a high quality puppy just because it is “purebred."

So, what’s the big deal? Does it really matter where your puppy comes from? You bet it does! In the old “nature vs. nurture” argument, puppy mills consistently fall short. The sire and dam of a puppy mill puppy are unlikely to have been screened for genetic defects. Reputable breeders of purebred dogs try very hard to breed dogs that are genetically sound. This means OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for breeds prone to hip dysplasia, a crippling form of arthritis in many large-breed dogs, and CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation), for breeds prone to heritable blindness. Reputable breeders also strive to improve the breed by choosing only those animals that meet the acceptable breed standards. And remember that breeders of good quality dogs won’t have to resort to third parties to sell their dogs. In fact, many have prospective owners lined up before their dog is even bred.

As important as genetics are, the environment is critical to the social development of the young puppy. Studies have shown that puppies learn most of their social skills before they are 10 or 12 weeks old. Puppies born and raised in a large-scale operation are not given the interaction and training that is so vital for them to grow up to be sociable, confident, and well-adjusted adults.  Good breeders will expose their puppies to a variety of situations and people. These pups are much less likely to be nervous or timid around strangers or unfamiliar surroundings.

Another point to keep in mind is that puppies raised in commercial operations and sold in pet stores and flea markets are more likely to be harboring infectious diseases, which may be expensive to treat. All veterinarians have stories about pet store puppies with kennel cough, pneumonia, coccidian (an intestinal parasite), parvovirus, and the like. In most states, the only recourse a pet buyer has is getting a replacement puppy. This usually means the sick puppy will be put to sleep. Some states have puppy “lemon” laws, but even those limit the amount the pet stores have to pay to reimburse vet bills.

So, how do you assure yourself that you are getting a good quality puppy?  If you are committed to getting a purebred dog, do some research on the breeds you are considering. The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) has summaries and descriptions of all of the AKC recognized breeds. Then look for a breeder. Your best bet will be to attend some dog shows where your breed will be exhibited. Ask questions. Most breeders love to talk about their dogs, so getting information shouldn’t be a problem!

 Some important questions to ask:

• Can I see the parents? The father may not be onsite, but you should be able to take a look at the mother. Is she healthy? Does she have the temperament you are looking for?
• Are the parents OFA and/or CERF registered? Be wary of anyone who tells you that the puppies are OFA’d. The OFA does not register dogs until 2 years old.
• Is the puppy’s health guaranteed? Be sure the breeder will allow return of the puppy if a vet determines it is not healthy. The sooner this is done the better, before you get too attached.
• Can I see the pedigrees of the parents?

But how about considering a truly unique breed? Like a Heinz 57, or Canardly (can hardly tell) dog? If you’re intent on a purebred dog, most breeds have “rescue” groups, and are always looking for good homes for fostering and adopting. And don’t forget that Humane Societies often have purebred dogs available.