When adopting a pet, the first thing we usually do is go shopping for all the times they could possibly need and a lot of new stuff as a new pet parent could think of.
You may think of buying the usual items such as food, water bowls, leashes, collars and bed. And you may also add up more stuff like treats, shampoo, some fancy pet clothes and toys.
You are not alone when it comes to spending way too much for your pets.
The APPA found that in 2016 U.S. pet owners are expected to spend $62.75 billion on their furry (or scaly) friends. That estimate is up about 4% from the $60.28 billion spent last 2015. In fact, total U.S. pet industry expenditures have gone up every single year that the association has collected this data, which it began doing in 1994.
The most bought pet product or service includes:
• Food
• Veterinary Care
• Supplies like over the counter medicines
• Services including grooming and boarding
For each products or services, the consumer and the consumer products are covered by the Uniform Commercial Code, a federal law adopted in part by most states.
For pet owners, this law gives you the right to expect what you buy for your pet has met quality standards, suitable and safe for your pet, and if it is not, you may take legal action if the product you purchased caused harm towards your pet.
The UCC provides two types of warranties on products. Express warranties are exactly what the seller has promised the product is and what purpose it will perform. Implied warranties are created if the seller is one who normally sells that type of good. For example, a pet product manufacturer must produce products that are suitable for pets.
In general as pet owners we should start being familiar with the law if their pet is harmed by any pet product. A good source of information for any recalled pet food and pet products are Dog Food Advisor and The American Veterinary Medical Association.
