Legislation proposed in January would set numerous new requirements for pet dealers in the state of Washington and would place restrictions on the sale of certain animals.

Unlike other pet warranties, Washington House Bill 2511 covers pet birds as well as dogs and cats.

The bill defines a “pet dealer” as “any person, business or entity, including pet breeder, that sells more than 20 animals or three litters, whichever is greater, in a 12-month period.” A “pet breeder” is “any person, business or other that breeds animals for direct or indirect sale to the public.”

The bill would require pet dealers to have animals examined by a veterinarian licensed in Washington no more than 30 days before sale. Dealers also would be required to provide sellers with detailed information about the animal, including its source and medical records.

Pet dealers also would have to maintain written records on the health, status and disposition of each animal for three years, including names of people from whom animals are received and sold to, complaints by purchasers regarding health of their animal and whether the animal was returned and why.

The bill also would prohibit dealers from selling an animal with obvious clinical signs of infectious, contagious, parasitic or communicable disease, or a disease, illness or condition that requires hospitalization.

The proposed measure also sets forth remedies for purchasers in the event of warranty violations.

If enacted, pet dealers would be required to post a notice in a conspicuous location, in 100-point type, with specific language informing consumers of their rights under the law. [March 2008 PET AGE]