Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that enacts the Tennessee Retail Pet Store Consumer Protection Act, which requires retail pet shops to reimburse a customer for veterinary expenses incurred due to a condition that made the dog unfit for purchase.

Highlights:

• Requires retail pet shops to reimburse a customer for the cost of veterinary services, in an amount up to the purchase price of the dog, for the purpose of treating a condition that made the dog unfit for purchase (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits local ordinances from regulating the sale, delivery, barter, auction or transfer of a companion animal to an individual from a retail pet store (Sec. 1).

• Requires dogs sold by retail pet shops to be at least 8 weeks old, inspected by a veterinarian, and have an implanted identification microchip (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this bill takes effect July 1, 2017 and applies to all sales of companion animals at retail pet shops made on or after such date (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text