Bought a Sick Pet from a Store? California Pet Lemon Law Demand Letter (Free Template)

DEMAND FOR COMPENSATION - CALIFORNIA PET PURCHASE PROTECTION ACT [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Pet Store Name] [Store Address] [City, CA ZIP] Re: Demand for Compensation Under Pet Purchase Protection Act Animal: [Species/Breed - e.g., "Golden Retriever puppy"] Purchase Date: [Date of Purchase] Purchase Price: $[Amount] Dear [Store Owner/Manager Name]: I am writing to formally demand compensation pursuant to California's Pet Purchase Protection Act (Health & Safety Code Sections 122125-122220) and the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code Section 1770). FACTS: 1. On [Purchase Date], I purchased a [species/breed, age, gender - e.g., "male Golden Retriever puppy, 10 weeks old"] from your store located at [Store Address] for $[Purchase Price]. 2. On [Date illness/defect discovered], which was within [X days/months] of purchase, my pet [exhibited symptoms / was diagnosed with]: [Describe illness or condition - e.g., "severe lethargy, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea consistent with canine parvovirus"] 3. On [Date of vet exam], I took my pet to [Veterinarian Name/Clinic], a California-licensed veterinarian, who examined the animal and certified that: [Describe veterinary findings - e.g., "the puppy tested positive for parvovirus and required immediate hospitalization"] 4. The veterinarian has provided written certification that this [illness/hereditary condition/congenital defect] [existed at time of sale / manifested within the statutory period]. VIOLATIONS: Your store has violated California law in the following ways: [Check all that apply and customize:] - Sold an animal that was ill or had an undisclosed condition at time of sale - Failed to provide required written disclosures per H&S Code 122135 - Failed to disclose the breeder's name and address - Failed to provide complete medical history - Misrepresented the health status of the animal - Failed to provide statement of buyer's rights under the Pet Purchase Protection Act These actions also constitute unfair and deceptive practices under Civil Code 1770 (CLRA) and Business & Professions Code 17200. DAMAGES: As a result of your violations, I have incurred the following damages: Purchase Price: $[Amount] Veterinary Examination Fee: $[Amount] Emergency/Hospital Treatment: $[Amount] Medications: $[Amount] Follow-up Care: $[Amount] [Other documented expenses]: $[Amount] TOTAL VETERINARY EXPENSES: $[Total Vet Amount] DEMAND: Pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 122150, I am entitled to my choice of remedies. I hereby elect: [Choose ONE option:] [ ] OPTION A - FULL REFUND: Return of the pet and full refund of the purchase price ($[Amount]), plus reimbursement of veterinary expenses incurred. [ ] OPTION B - EXCHANGE: Exchange for a pet of equivalent value in good health. [ ] OPTION C - KEEP PET + VET REIMBURSEMENT: I will keep my pet and demand reimbursement of veterinary fees in the amount of $[Amount - up to 2x purchase price]. Additionally, I reserve all rights under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code 1770), which provides for actual damages, statutory damages up to $5,000, and attorney fees for deceptive practices. RESPONSE REQUIRED: Please respond to this demand within fifteen (15) days of receipt. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will: 1. File a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs 2. Pursue legal action in the appropriate court, seeking all damages, CLRA statutory damages, and attorney fees 3. Report your business practices to the local District Attorney's consumer protection division Please contact me at [Phone/Email] to discuss resolution. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Copy of purchase receipt dated [Date] - Veterinarian's written certification of illness/condition - Itemized veterinary bills and records - Photographs of ill animal (if applicable) - Copy of any health certificate or disclosures provided (or note if none provided) - Any communications with store regarding this matter cc: California Department of Consumer Affairs [Your attorney, if applicable]