Bought a sick dog or cat from anyone in NJ?

Here are quick tips on what to do, whom to contact, and when.

If the puppy (or kitten/cat) was certified unfit for purchase for a contagious disease within 14 days of purchase:

Call the county health department and, if applicable, it will refer you to a local office that has jurisdiction over the pet shop. All pet shops and kennels selling live creatures are inspected by health departments.

You can use thishandy drop-down menuto find county and local health departments.

If the pet seller (pet shop, breeder, or broker/reseller) refused to comply under the puppy lemon law:

Contact the Consumer Affairs office that oversees the pet shop. Out of New Jersey’s 21 counties, only four are handled by the state office in Newark: Morris, Salem, Sussex, Warren counties. Call 973-504-6200 or fill out thestate's online form. 

Please note: when filing through the Newark office, there is often an unreasonable backlog and wait-time for resolution.

County Consumer Affairs Offices

If you believe animals are being mistreated, call the NJ SPCA at 1-800-582-5979, as well as the local county health department that has jurisdiction over the pet shop, kennel, or even a private residence. (Local zoning ordinances may also be in effect and sellers could be in violation.)

The following are signs of potential serious illnesses in dogs and cats:

Coughing, gagging

Sneezing

Runny eyes or noses (green or yellow discharge)

Diarrhea or bloody feces

Lethargy, unable to stand

Panting and/or pacing

Hair loss


Other Pet Store Animals


The puppy lemon law covers only dogs and cats but other animals including birds, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and fish, are protected from neglect and abuse under Title 4, the state’s anti-cruelty statute and state health department regulations.

Local health departments are responsible for licensing and inspecting pet stores that sell animals but are primarily concerned with disease control and sanitation issues, such as:

Proper ventilation — stores should be free of excessive noxious odors

Dirty cages — Food and water receptacles and cage flooring should be free from (fecal) contamination.

If the facility (pet shop, kennel, private home) is downright dirty, overcrowded, animals are deprived of water, or you see any conditions listed above, err on the side of caution and call the NJ SPCA at 1-800-582-5979.

Contact us if you need further assistance in reporting violators!