So, you want a pet?

There are two kinds of sellers:   private and pet dealers.

A pet dealer is defined as anyone who engages in the sale of more than two liters per year or more than 20 animals per year, whichever is greater. 

Regardless of whether you purchase from a private person or a pet dealer, at the time of purchase - "know the rules".

• The dog or cat MUST be at least eight weeks of age

• You must be given a COMPLETED copy of the Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.    The Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must have been signed by a licensed veterinarian no more than 30 days before your purchase.

• The dog or cat must have been vaccinated, dewormed, and had certain tests prior to your purchase.   These must have been administered by a licensed veterinarian (not a private or pet dealer) no more than 21 days before your purchase if your dog or cat is under four months.   If your pet is over four months, they must be administered no more than one year before your purchase.

Every "Pet Dealer" must provide the consumer at the time of sale with a written notice advising of consumer rights.

The notice shall read as follows:

It is the consumer's right, pursuant to section 828.29, Florida Statutes, to receive a certificate of veterinary inspection with each dog or cat purchased from a pet dealer. Such certificates shall list all vaccines and deworming medications administered to the animal and shall state that the animal has been examined by a Florida licensed veterinarian who certifies that, to the best of his knowledge, the animal was found to have been healthy at the time of the veterinary examination. In the event that the consumer purchases the animal and finds it to have been unfit for purchase as provided in section 828.29, Florida Statutes, the consumer must notify the pet dealer within two business days of the veterinarian's determination that the animal was unfit. The consumer has the right to retain, return, or exchange the animal, subject to the right of the dealer to have the animal examined by another veterinarian.

If You Purchase a Dog

If you purchase a dog, it must receive vaccines and dewormers administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian (NOT a private or pet dealer) against the following diseases and internal parasites:

               Canine Distemper
               Rabies, if older than 3 months
               Hepatitis
           Leptospirosis/Parainfluenza
               Canine Parvo Virus

If your dog is over 6 months - it must be tested for heartworms

If You Purchase a Cat

If you purchase a cat, it must receive vaccines and dewormers administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian (NOT a private or pet dealer) against the following diseases and internal parasites:

                Panleukopenia
                Rabies, if older than 3 months
                Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
                Calici Virus
                Hookworms/Roundworms

Every cat offered for sale must be tested for Feline Leukemia.