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Legal Resources for French Bulldog Owners & Breeders
State Laws with Dog Protection Regulation
This resource page, curated for the French Bulldog Foundation of America, provides an overview of key state laws related to dog sales and ownership, with a particular emphasis on French Bulldogs and other breeds. These laws aim to protect purchasers, ensure ethical breeding practices, and promote animal welfare. Information is drawn from reliable sources such as the Animal Legal & Historical Center and state statutes. Note that laws can change, so consult a licensed attorney or official state resources for the most current advice. This is not legal advice.
For comprehensive details, visit the Animal Legal & Historical Center's Table of Pet Purchaser Protection Acts.
Each State Has It's Own Laws
We've provided a comparison of key state laws, such as California dog laws—pedigree disclosure statements, repossession prohibitions, payment acceptance rules, and puppy lemon laws—with similar provisions in other U.S. states. California's framework, primarily under the Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act (Health & Safety Code § 122000 et seq.), the Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act (Health & Safety Code § 122125 et seq.), and Civil Code § 1670.10, emphasizes transparency, buyer remedies for unfit pets, and bans on predatory financing like installment contracts that allow repossession. Not all states mirror this exactly, but many have overlapping protections, often called "puppy lemon laws" or pet purchaser protection acts.
Puppy Lemon Laws
Information is sourced from reliable legal databases and updates as of late 2025. Laws evolve, so verify with state authorities or attorneys. This is not legal advice.
Pedigree Disclosure Requirements
States with Pedigree Disclosure Requirements
Similar to CA's mandates for breeders/pet dealers to disclose breeder details, birth info, registration (if applicable), inoculations, and known conditions. Many states tie this to lemon laws or commercial breeder regulations, requiring written statements especially for registered dogs.
- High Similarity (Detailed Written Disclosures): Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia (e.g., breed, sex, color, inoculations, vet treatments, registration docs if claimed).
- Moderate Similarity (Health/Source Focus): Arkansas, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont (e.g., basic health certs, breeder info).
- Breeder Licensing Laws Requiring Records/Disclosures: Additional states like Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin require commercial breeders to maintain and disclose pedigree/health records, though not always at point of sale.
States without specific requirements: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, etc.
What is a Pedigree Disclosure?
A Pedigree Disclosure Statement is a legally required document in California for any dog (including French Bulldogs) sold by a breeder or dealer with the representation that it is registered or registerable with a pedigree registry, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). It's mandated under California Health and Safety Code § 122310 and must be provided separately from other paperwork, both orally and in writing. The statement clarifies that registration with a pedigree registry only tracks parentage and identity—it does not guarantee the dog's quality, health, purebred status, or lineage accuracy, as registries rely largely on the honesty of those submitting information.
The required disclosure must include:
- A description of the dog.
- Whether it is registered or registerable (circle one).
- The name of the registry.
- An acknowledgment that the buyer understands the limitations of registration.
It must be signed and dated by the buyer, with the seller retaining a copy. This promotes transparency and protects buyers from misleading claims about a dog's pedigree.
If a breeder or seller fails to provide this statement, they violate the law and are liable for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation, payable to the purchaser. The buyer can pursue this through civil action.
Repeated or related violations (e.g., under broader pet sale laws like the Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act) may lead to higher fines (up to $10,000 for fourth or subsequent offenses), injunctions, or prohibitions on selling dogs. Enforcement can involve the California Attorney General, local authorities, or consumer complaints to agencies like the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Repossession and Restricting Payment Acceptance
States Prohibiting Repossession and Restricting Payment Acceptance
Several states, such as California and New York, ban retail installment contracts for dogs, preventing repossession for non-payment and treating pets as non-repossessable (Civil Code § 1670.10). Similar bans on "pet leasing" (financing schemes allowing repossession) exist in a growing number of states, often prohibiting conditional ownership tied to payments. These also imply restrictions on accepting installment payments that risk repossession.
- States with Bans (as of 2025): Connecticut, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Washington (joined CA starting 2017-2019; prohibit leasing where pets can be repossessed for missed payments).
- Recent or Proposed Bans: Florida (passed 2020), Michigan (passed 2020), Texas (2023 via SB 361, bans repossession in contracts), North Carolina (considering 2023), Delaware, Connecticut (expanded).
- Partial Restrictions: Pennsylvania (limits high-interest pet loans), others via general consumer protection.
As of 2022, 42 states still allowed pet leasing, but bans have expanded. For payments, states with bans avoid installments; others may require sales tax for multiple sales, like CA.
California Dog Laws
Pedigree Disclosure Statements
California requires breeders and pet dealers to provide detailed written disclosures when selling dogs, including French Bulldogs, to ensure transparency about the animal's background and health. This helps buyers make informed decisions and holds sellers accountable.
- Key Statutes: Under the Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act (California Health & Safety Code § 122000 et seq.) and the Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act (California Health & Safety Code § 122125 et seq.), sellers must provide a signed written statement including:
- Breeder's name and address.
- Dog's date of birth, breed, sex, color, and markings.
- Registration information (if applicable).
- Record of inoculations, deworming treatments, and any known diseases or congenital/hereditary conditions.
- Veterinarian treatments or medications administered while in the seller's possession.
- Who It Applies To: Breeders (those selling 3+ litters or 20+ dogs in 12 months) and pet dealers (retail sellers with a permit).
- Additional Requirements from Recent Laws: Assembly Bill 506 (2025) mandates that any person or business selling dogs in California disclose the original source of the animal (e.g., breeder details). This builds on existing protections to combat unethical sourcing.
For the full text, see California Health & Safety Code - Sale of Dogs and Cats.
Repossession Laws
California prohibits repossession of dogs (and cats) as a remedy for non-payment in sales contracts, recognizing animals as sentient beings rather than mere property subject to repossession like vehicles or goods. This prevents predatory lending practices where ownership is conditional on installment payments.
- Key Statute: California Civil Code § 1670.10 (effective 2018) bans retail installment contracts for the sale of dogs and cats. Ownership cannot be transferred via agreements that allow repossession if payments are missed. Violators face civil remedies, including potential voiding of the contract.
- Context and Bans: This law addresses "pet leasing" or financing schemes, which were banned in California starting in 2017. Similar protections exist in states like Nevada and New York, but California's statute explicitly prohibits using dogs as security for payments.
- Implications for Breeders and Buyers: If a buyer defaults on a private agreement, sellers cannot repossess the dog; they must pursue other legal remedies, such as small claims for unpaid amounts. Animals cannot be "repossessed" like inanimate objects.
For more on pet disputes, refer to Detailed Discussion of Legal Rights in Lost Pet Disputes.
Accepting Payments
When selling dogs like French Bulldogs, California regulates how payments can be accepted to prevent fraud, ensure tax compliance, and protect against exploitative financing. Sellers must avoid conditional ownership transfers tied to payments.
- Key Rules:
- No Installment Contracts: As noted above, retail installment agreements are prohibited for dog sales (Civil Code § 1670.10). Payments must not condition ownership on future installments that could lead to repossession.
- Sales Tax Requirements: If you sell more than two nonfood animals (including dogs) in a 12-month period, you must obtain a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and collect/report sales tax. Separate sales from a single litter count as one sale.
- Disclosures and Ethical Practices: Under AB 506 (2025), sellers must disclose payment terms clearly, along with the animal's source. Additionally, AB 519 (2025) bans online marketplaces for dog sales by brokers to curb unregulated transactions.
- Warnings: Avoid predatory lending; the California Attorney General has issued alerts on puppy financing scams. Small breeders can sell directly if they meet health standards.
For tax guidance, visit CDTFA - Buying and Selling Dogs.
Puppy Lemon Laws
Additional Resources
California's "puppy lemon laws" provide remedies for buyers if a purchased dog, such as a French Bulldog, is found to be unfit due to illness or defects shortly after sale. These protections apply to dogs only (not cats for remedies).
- Key Statutes: Covered under the Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act and Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act.
- Time Frames: Buyers must notify sellers within 5 days of a vet diagnosis. Remedies available for illnesses within 15 days of possession or congenital/hereditary defects within 1 year.
- Remedies Available:
- Return the dog for a full refund plus reimbursement for vet fees (up to purchase price, including sales tax).
- Exchange for an equivalent dog with reimbursement (if available).
- Retain the dog and receive reimbursement up to 150% of the purchase price for vet costs.
- If the dog dies from a pre-existing condition, refund or replacement.
- Limitations: No remedies for parasites (unless causing illness), buyer neglect, undisclosed conditions (with exceptions), or failure to follow vet recommendations. Sellers can recover attorney fees if a claim is in bad faith.
For a full overview, see Pet Purchaser Protection/Puppy Lemon Laws.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
- Official California Statutes: Search the California Legislative Information website for Health & Safety Code sections 122000–122220.
- Animal Welfare Organizations: Contact the ASPCA or local humane societies for support.
- Recent Updates: As of 2025, new laws like AB 506 and AB 519 strengthen protections against puppy mills and unregulated sales.
If you encounter issues with a French Bulldog purchase or breeding, document everything and seek professional legal help. The French Bulldog Foundation of America encourages responsible ownership and breeding.
States with Puppy Lemon Laws (Pet Purchaser Protection Acts)
State Puppy Lemon Laws
These laws provide remedies (e.g., refunds, exchanges, or vet fee reimbursements) if a purchased dog is found unfit due to illness, defects, or death shortly after sale, similar to California's 15-day illness and 1-year congenital/hereditary windows with options for refund (plus vet fees up to purchase price), exchange, or retention with reimbursement up to 150%. As of 2023, 22-24 states have such laws, focusing on disclosures and remedies but varying in scope (e.g., some cover only pet stores, others include breeders).
Arizona:
Requires pre-sale vet exam and written disclosures (breed, birth, inoculations, known conditions); remedies for illness (15 days) or congenital defects (60 days): refund, exchange + vet fees (up to purchase price), or retain + vet fees. Covers pet dealers/stores.
Shorter congenital window (60 days vs. CA's 1 year); no remedies if buyer neglects treatment.
Arkansas
Remedies for illness (10 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees (up to 150% purchase price). Requires health certificate. Applies only to registered dogs; limited to pet stores.
Connecticut
Disclosures on health, breed, inoculations; remedies for illness (20 days) or defects (6 months): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees (up to purchase price). Covers pet shops; requires vet certification within timelines.
Delaware
Written disclosures (breed, health history); remedies for illness (15 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Must provide buyer rights notice. Includes ferrets; no remedies for disclosed conditions.
Florida
Health certificate required; remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees (up to 150%), exchange, or retain + vet fees. Applies to pet dealers; excludes parasites unless causing illness.
Illinois
Disclosures on inoculations, health; remedies for illness (21 days) or defects (1 year): refund, exchange + vet fees, or retain + vet fees (up to purchase price). Covers pet shops; buyer must notify seller promptly.
Maine
Remedies for illness (10 days), defects (2 years if severe), or death: refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Health exam required pre-sale.
Covers breeders and stores; specific death provisions.
Maryland
Disclosures on source, health; remedies for illness (10 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Pet stores only; tied to retail pet sale bans in some areas.
Massachusetts
Health certificate; remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (2 years): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees (up to 2x purchase price). Covers pet shops; strong on contagious diseases.
Minnesota
Disclosures on breed, health; remedies for illness (10 days), defects (1 year), or death: refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Applies to breeders/pet stores; excludes buyer-caused issues.
Nebraska
Remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Health disclosures required. Pet stores mainly; vet fees capped at purchase price.
Nevada
Similar remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (1 year): refund, exchange + vet fees, or retain + vet fees. Disclosures on health, source. Covers dealers; aligns with CA on timelines.
New Hampshire
Includes ferrets; remedies for illness (14 days), defects (1 year), or death: refund + vet fees (up to 2x), exchange, or retain + vet fees. Buyer rights notice mandatory. Covers sellers; remedies if no disclosures provided.
New Jersey
Detailed disclosures (health, breed); remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (6 months): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Pet dealers; strong enforcement via AG.
New York
Health certificate; remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (6 months): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees (up to purchase price). Pet dealers; includes source disclosure.
Ohio
Remedies for illness (15 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Disclosures required. Covers brokers/dealers; caps on reimbursements.
Oregon
Pre-sale vet exam; remedies for congenital disorders (1 year): refund, exchange + vet fees, or retain + vet fees (up to purchase price). Focus on quality-of-life impacts; no illness-specific beyond defects.
Pennsylvania
Health record/certificate; remedies for illness (10 days) or defects (30 days): refund, exchange + vet fees, or retain + vet fees. Buyer rights posted. Shorter defect window; covers kennels/breeders.
Rhode Island
Detailed disclosures (birth, breeder, health); remedies for illness (20 days) or defects (2 years): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Longer defect window; excludes small breeders.
South Carolina
Inoculation proof; remedies for illness (14 days) or defects (6 months): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees (including future costs). Registered animals only; pet dealers/breeders.
Vermont
Written notice (breed, price); remedies for illness (7 days) or defects (1 year): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Includes wolf-hybrids; short illness window.
Virginia
Animal history certificate; remedies for illness (10-14 days): refund + vet fees, exchange, or retain + vet fees. Pet shops/dealers; source posting required.