bought a sick puppy from a private seller?

Question

i bought a pup last tuesday on august 7th 2012, my girl made the transaction i could not see the woman to try and judge her character and see if it was going to work out. but the puppy seemed in good health the day we got her the next day she seemed sick and down, the third day she seemed healthy again and started eating again, the next morning she became very very sick looking again and was not eating or drinking water she had puked and was pooping diarrhea. so i took her to the vet and the ran blood work on her and she had tested possitive for parvo. she was only 9 weeks old. we paid 300 for her and i had to unfortunetly put her down because she was so sick. i  have the receipt and have papers when she took the pup to get her shots and the discharge paper says SYMPTOMS STATED BY OWNER: "Vomiting but still eating and 100.4 degree tempature" 
i want to know if i can get a full reimbursment of the dog, i spoke the the ******* drug addict looking woman on monday the 13th 2012 of august. she established with me to call me the following day and come up with a way of payment. so yeah whats the best possible answer !

Painted Pony · Accepted Answer

Anytime you buy a puppy it should be taken to the vet within 48 hours for a health check - and all reputable breeders insist on this.  Especially when you read the paperwork indicating that the dog was vomiting!  I'd be surprised if the vet actually gave her any vaccines if the dog was vomiting.

If she's a drug addict looking women as you state, you will probably have to take her to court to get anything.  Just be sure that you have the documentation from the vet as to the cause of death etc.  Even if you get a judgment, you will probably have a tough time collecting.

Next time, do a little research.  Always go YOURSELF, and check with the AKC breeder referral program to get to a reputable breeder.

Holly · Answer

And this is why we recommend people don't buy dogs and puppies from back yard breeders. Research into a breeder can save lots of money and heartache. Reputable breeders sell puppies with health guarantees and proof of the parents having heath screenings....I'll stop preaching, since you hopefully have learned your lesson.

You could sue the woman to get your $300 back and possibly for any money you spent at the vet. Go to small claims court. It may or may not be worth it.

If you plan to get another dog: Please be aware, the parvo virus is quite difficult to kill and can live for months to over a year. The best way to kill it is with bleach, covering your whole home and yard(or any areas the puppy could have been), but this may not kill all of the virus.
If you bring a young puppy into your home, the chances of the puppy getting parvo are very high.

I would recommend either getting an older puppy that has had ALL 3 sets of shots (at least 16 weeks old/at least one week after 3rd set of shots) or a fully vaccinated adult dog. 
If you want to get a young puppy again, please wait a year or 2.

I'm very sorry that you had to go through this.

Nekkid Truth! · Answer

first check to see if puppy lemon laws apply in your area..
http://www.malteseonly.com/lemon.html

check the contract you have with the woman..  if there is no contract, you may be out of luck

you can still try going to small claims if she refuses to refund.. if you have a statement from the vet stating that the pup would have contracted parvo before coming to you.

Ben · Answer

This is tough ... this is why it is recommended to do FULL research on the sellers before you purchase a puppy!

ILOVECHEESE · Answer

i think you should not have bought the puppy if you couldn't see her anyway i think you should take her to pet hospital or vet i recommend a vet

? · Answer

Unless there's a health guarantee, you are outta luck.

Julie D. · Answer

You're screwed as you had NO health contract.

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bought a sick puppy from a private seller?

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