CT HB05409

Pet shop licensees must reimburse consumers up to $500 for veterinary services and medications for dogs or cats that become ill or die within 20 days of sale, or are diagnosed with congenital defects within 6 months, upon presentation of a veterinarian's certificate.

Consumers may alternatively request replacement or full refund of a dog or cat instead of reimbursement, though spayed or neutered cats are exempt from these protections.

Pet shop licensees must post a clearly visible statement of customer rights in at least 20-point black lettering on white background and provide a copy to all dog and cat purchasers.

The Department of Agriculture commissioner may issue fines of up to $500 per animal for pet shop violations, in addition to existing authority to quarantine premises or revoke licenses.

Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and degus are reclassified as non-wild mammals and therefore exempt from wildlife possession permit requirements; certain primates weighing under 35 pounds that were possessed prior to October 1, 2010 are exempt from potentially dangerous animal restrictions.