Consulting a Veterinarian

Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations as to the purchase quality of the dog or cat in question. If the one you have your heart set on does have medical problems that can be easily corrected, ask the seller to deduct these costs from the purchase price. They aren’t obligated
but by character to do so; as a result, you must decide on your next move if they refuse or fail to compromise. The extra expense (including cost of supplies and required documents in addition to initial purchase price of the pet out of your own pocketbook might be worth it if you think you have truly found the pet of your dreams! You be the judge.

Don’t feel awkward about asking the seller to pick up the tab (pay) for a professional prepurchase exam [and for cats, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) testing] by a veterinarian of your choice. Sellers who are confident in the quality of their pets should have no qualms about this. If they balk, a warning light should flash in your head. And don’t get suckered into a “moneyback” or “lifetime” guarantee on a pet as an alternative to a professional prepurchase screen. Such a guarantee doesn’t protect you against the emotional distress caused by having to return a pet to which you’ve already grown attached.