Kotowski’s pet lemon law passes the General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Dan Kotowski’s (D–Park Ridge) measure to provide additional consumer protections for pet lovers passed both chambers of the General Assembly. The Senate gave final approval to the proposal on Tuesday with a vote of 44 to 13. It now goes to the Governor’s desk.

If signed into law, consumers can receive reimbursement for veterinary costs up to 21 days after the sale if the pet was sick at the time of sale. They also have the option to exchange the pet or get a refund. If the dog or cat has a genetic condition, the consumer has up to a year to receive reimbursement.

“This is a great piece of legislation that protects both consumers and pets,” Kotowski said.  “It discourages pet stores from selling unhealthy cats and dogs and reduces the spread of dangerous diseases.”

This proposal, Senate Bill 1639, will also require pet shops to report outbreaks of disease to the Department of Agriculture, along with requiring the pet stores to notify consumers who bought a cat or dog from the shop in the last two weeks.

If signed into law by the Governor, Illinois would be the 18th state to have a pet lemon law.