Title 4
Animals and Animal Husbandry

Chapter 25
Pet Warranties — Dogs

R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-25-6

§ 4-25-6. Purchaser’s obligations.

In order for the purchaser to obtain remedies as per § 4-25-5 herein he/she shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(1) Notify the seller in writing as soon as practicable, but in no event more than ten (10) days after the diagnosis by a licensed veterinarian that the animal has a medical or health problem or congenital or hereditary condition.

(A) The notice shall include the name and telephone number of the veterinarian providing the diagnosis.

(2) In the case of illness or disease, the purchaser shall provide a written statement from a licensed veterinarian within ten (10) days of diagnosis which states that the animal is clinically ill, suffers from a congenital or hereditary condition, or has symptoms of a contagious infectious disease which existed on or before delivery to the purchaser and that adversely affects the health of the animal.

(B) At the request of the seller, the purchaser shall take the animal for an examination by a licensed veterinarian of the seller’s choice.

(i) The seller shall pay for the cost of this veterinarian.

(ii) In the case of death, the seller may have his or her veterinarian perform a necropsy. The seller will bear the cost.

(3) The statement of the veterinarian referred to herein shall include the following:

(i) The purchasers name and address.

(ii) The date or dates the animal was examined.

(iii) The breed and age of the animal, if known.

(iv) That the veterinarian examined the animal.

(v) That the animal has or had an illness or condition subject to a remedy under § 4-25-5 herein.

(vi) The findings from the examination or necropsy including, but not limited to, laboratory results and copies of said.

(vii) An itemized bill for fees appropriate for the diagnosis and treatment of the illness.

History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 328, § 1.