{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6516.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6516.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6516.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6516.html"}],"law_id":77364,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77364,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6516","catch_line":"Failure of pet dealer to effect registration after promise; violation of Consumer Protection Act; remedies; veterinary certification; finding of intestinal parasites; illness subsequent to sale","history":"1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.52; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.82; 2008, c. 860.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (\u00a7 59.1-196 et seq.) for a pet dealer to state, promise, or represent that a dog or cat is registered or capable of being registered with any animal pedigree registry organization if the pet dealer shall then fail to either effect such registration or provide the consumer with the documents necessary therefor within 120 days following the date of sale of such animal. In the event that a pet dealer fails to effect registration or to provide the necessary documents therefor within 120 days following the date of sale, the consumer shall be entitled to choose one of the following options:1\n\nTo return the animal and to receive a refund of the purchase price plus sales tax; or2\n\nTo retain the animal and to receive a refund of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the purchase price and sales tax.B\n\nThe veterinary certification and statement required herein shall be presented to the pet dealer not later than three business days following receipt thereof by the consumer and shall contain the following information:1\n\nThe name of the owner;2\n\nThe date or dates of the examination;3\n\nThe breed, color, sex, and age of the animal;4\n\nA description of the veterinarian’s findings;5\n\nA statement that the veterinarian certifies the animal to be unfit for purchase; and6\n\nThe name and address of the certifying veterinarian and the date of the certification.C\n\nA veterinary finding of intestinal parasites shall not be grounds for declaring the animal unfit for purchase unless the animal is clinically ill due to such condition. An animal may not be found unfit for purchase on account of an injury sustained or illness contracted subsequent to the consumer taking possession thereof.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":277481,"text":"It shall be a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (\u00a7 59.1-196 et seq.) for a pet dealer to state, promise, or represent that a dog or cat is registered or capable of being registered with any animal pedigree registry organization if the pet dealer shall then fail to either effect such registration or provide the consumer with the documents necessary therefor within 120 days following the date of sale of such animal. In the event that a pet dealer fails to effect registration or to provide the necessary documents therefor within 120 days following the date of sale, the consumer shall be entitled to choose one of the following options:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":277482,"text":"To return the animal and to receive a refund of the purchase price plus sales tax; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":277483,"text":"To retain the animal and to receive a refund of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the purchase price and sales tax.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"B"},"3":{"id":277484,"text":"The veterinary certification and statement required herein shall be presented to the pet dealer not later than three business days following receipt thereof by the consumer and shall contain the following information:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B1"},"4":{"id":277485,"text":"The name of the owner;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"5":{"id":277486,"text":"The date or dates of the examination;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"6":{"id":277487,"text":"The breed, color, sex, and age of the animal;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"7":{"id":277488,"text":"A description of the veterinarian’s findings;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"8":{"id":277489,"text":"A statement that the veterinarian certifies the animal to be unfit for purchase; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"9":{"id":277490,"text":"The name and address of the certifying veterinarian and the date of the certification.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"10":{"id":277491,"text":"A veterinary finding of intestinal parasites shall not be grounds for declaring the animal unfit for purchase unless the animal is clinically ill due to such condition. An animal may not be found unfit for purchase on account of an injury sustained or illness contracted subsequent to the consumer taking possession thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13341,"edition_id":1,"name":"Transportation and Sale of Animals","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13170,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:40","permalink":{"id":198661,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13341,"identifier":"3","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13170,"edition_id":1,"name":"Comprehensive Animal Care","identifier":"65","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13169,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198459,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13170,"identifier":"65","token":"3.2\/V\/65","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13169,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Animals","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198133,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13169,"identifier":"V","token":"3.2\/V","url":"\/3.2\/V\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":54865,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6508","catch_line":"Transporting animals; requirements; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6508\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6508","metadata":false},{"id":73161,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6508.1","catch_line":"Sale of dogs or cats prohibited in certain places","url":"\/3.2-6508.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6508.1","metadata":false},{"id":55461,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6509","catch_line":"Misrepresentation of animal's condition; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6509\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6509","metadata":false},{"id":71599,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6509.1","catch_line":"Disclosure of animal bite history; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6509.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6509.1","metadata":false},{"id":86958,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6510","catch_line":"Sale of unweaned or certain immature animals prohibited, vaccinations required for dogs and cats; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6510\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6510","metadata":false},{"id":69013,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6511","catch_line":"Failure of dealer or pet shop to provide adequate care; penalty; report","url":"\/3.2-6511\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6511","metadata":false},{"id":84119,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6511.1","catch_line":"Pet shops; procurement of dogs; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6511.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6511.1","metadata":false},{"id":72939,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6511.2","catch_line":"Dealers; importation and sale of dogs and cats; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6511.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6511.2","metadata":false},{"id":72085,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6512","catch_line":"Sale without pet dealer's animal history certificate violation of Consumer Protection Act; contents of certificate","url":"\/3.2-6512\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6512","metadata":false},{"id":75230,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6513","catch_line":"Inclusion of false or misleading statements in certificate violation of Consumer Protection Act","url":"\/3.2-6513\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6513","metadata":false},{"id":60330,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6513.1","catch_line":"Pet shops; posting of information about dogs","url":"\/3.2-6513.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6513.1","metadata":false},{"id":74582,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6513.2","catch_line":"Rental or lease of dog or cat prohibited; requirements for financing a dog or cat; civil penalty","url":"\/3.2-6513.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6513.2","metadata":false},{"id":80528,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6514","catch_line":"Consumer remedies for receipt of diseased animal upon certification by veterinarian","url":"\/3.2-6514\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6514","metadata":false},{"id":54323,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6515","catch_line":"Written notice of consumer remedies required to be supplied by pet dealers","url":"\/3.2-6515\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6515","metadata":false},{"id":77364,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6516","catch_line":"Failure of pet dealer to effect registration after promise; violation of Consumer Protection Act; remedies; veterinary certification; finding of intestinal parasites; illness subsequent to sale","url":"\/3.2-6516\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6516","metadata":false},{"id":84726,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6517","catch_line":"Remedies cumulative","url":"\/3.2-6517\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6517","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":54323,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6515","catch_line":"Written notice of consumer remedies required to be supplied by pet dealers","url":"\/3.2-6515\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6515","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":84726,"structure_id":13341,"section_number":"3.2-6517","catch_line":"Remedies cumulative","url":"\/3.2-6517\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6517","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6516\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 492 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1984 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1987, chapter 488; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":82977,"section_number":"59.1-200","catch_line":"Prohibited practices","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-200\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56198,"section_number":"59.1-196","catch_line":"Title","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-196\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198719,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77364,"identifier":"3.2-6516","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6516","url":"\/3.2-6516\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6516\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/3\/3.2-6516","dublin_core":{"Title":"Failure of pet dealer to effect registration after promise; violation of Consumer Protection Act; remedies; veterinary certification; finding of intestinal parasites; illness subsequent to sale","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6516","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be a violation of the Virginia Consumer<\/span> Protection Act (\u00a7 59.1-196<\/a> et seq.) for a pet dealer<\/span> to state, promise, or represent that a dog or cat is registered or capable of being registered with any animal<\/span> pedigree registry organization if the pet dealer<\/span> shall then fail to either effect such registration or provide the consumer<\/span> with the documents necessary therefor within 120 days following the date of sale of such animal<\/span>. In the event that a pet dealer<\/span> fails to effect registration or to provide the necessary documents therefor within 120 days following the date of sale, the consumer<\/span> shall be entitled to choose one of the following options: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> To return the animal<\/span> and to receive a refund of the purchase price plus sales tax; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To retain the animal<\/span> and to receive a refund of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the purchase price and sales tax. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The veterinary certification and statement required herein shall be presented to the pet dealer<\/span> not later than three business days following receipt thereof by the consumer<\/span> and shall contain the following information: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The name of the owner<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The date or dates of the examination; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The breed, color, sex, and age of the animal<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> A description of the veterinarian’s findings<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> A statement that the veterinarian certifies the animal<\/span> to be unfit for purchase; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The name and address of the certifying veterinarian and the date of the certification. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A veterinary finding<\/span> of intestinal parasites shall not be grounds for declaring the animal<\/span> unfit for purchase unless the animal<\/span> is clinically ill due to such condition. An animal<\/span> may not be found unfit for purchase on account of an injury sustained or illness contracted subsequent to the consumer<\/span> taking possession<\/span> thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFAILURE OF PET DEALER TO EFFECT REGISTRATION AFTER PROMISE; VIOLATION OF\nCONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; REMEDIES; VETERINARY CERTIFICATION; FINDING OF\nINTESTINAL PARASITES; ILLNESS SUBSEQUENT TO SALE (\u00a7 3.2-6516)\n\nA. It shall be a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (\u00a7 59.1-196\net seq.) for a pet dealer to state, promise, or represent that a dog or cat is\nregistered or capable of being registered with any animal pedigree registry\norganization if the pet dealer shall then fail to either effect such\nregistration or provide the consumer with the documents necessary therefor\nwithin 120 days following the date of sale of such animal. In the event that a\npet dealer fails to effect registration or to provide the necessary documents\ntherefor within 120 days following the date of sale, the consumer shall be\nentitled to choose one of the following options:\n\n 1. To return the animal and to receive a refund of the purchase price plus\n sales tax; or\n\n 2. To retain the animal and to receive a refund of an amount not to exceed 50\n percent of the purchase price and sales tax.\n\nB. The veterinary certification and statement required herein shall be presented\nto the pet dealer not later than three business days following receipt thereof\nby the consumer and shall contain the following information:\n\n 1. The name of the owner;\n\n 2. The date or dates of the examination;\n\n 3. The breed, color, sex, and age of the animal;\n\n 4. A description of the veterinarian’s findings;\n\n 5. A statement that the veterinarian certifies the animal to be unfit for\n purchase; and\n\n 6. The name and address of the certifying veterinarian and the date of the\n certification.\n\nC. A veterinary finding of intestinal parasites shall not be grounds for\ndeclaring the animal unfit for purchase unless the animal is clinically ill due\nto such condition. An animal may not be found unfit for purchase on account of\nan injury sustained or illness contracted subsequent to the consumer taking\npossession thereof.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.52; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.82; 2008, c. 860.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}