Bought a sick animal? Warranty applies to animal purchases too
The animal you bought is sick or already had the defect at the time of purchase? Animals are legally not things, but are treated like things, which means: warranty rights apply to a purchase. You are not on your own.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Report the defect →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Document via a vet
Have the animal examined and the illness documented with findings, important to prove the defect at handover.
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2. Inform the seller
Report the defect to the seller in writing and demand subsequent performance (treatment/cost coverage) with a deadline.
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3. Check further rights
If that does not work, a reduction of the purchase price or withdrawal comes into consideration; the latter is emotionally and legally delicate with animals.
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4. Check a private purchase
In a private purchase what counts above all: was something assured or an illness concealed? Then a warranty exclusion does not help the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a warranty when buying an animal?
Yes. Animals are treated like things in sales law (§ 90a BGB), so warranty rights apply. If the animal was already sick at handover, you can demand subsequent performance, a price reduction or under certain circumstances withdrawal, and from a commercial seller with an easing of the burden of proof in the first 12 months.
Do I get the vet costs reimbursed?
If a defect (illness at handover) exists, treatment costs can be reimbursable as part of subsequent performance or as damages. Document the illness via a vet and assert the costs against the seller.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.