Pet leasing

Pet leasing is the practice of leasing a pet, usually a dog, to a customer on a contract basis.[1] The practice is controversial, because some customers believed they were taking out loans to buy a pet when, in fact, they were only leasing an animal that could be repossessed by the lender in the event that payments were not kept up.[2][3][4][5]

The process of leasing a pet typically starts in a retail pet store, but the loan is made by a third-party contractor. The revenue model for pet leasing is the same as car leasing.[6][7] The borrower enters a contract, typically for two years, and agrees to monthly payments. The lender typically requires proof of income, which may be as low as $1000 a month.

Controversy

The state governments of New York,[8] California, Nevada, Washington, Indiana, Virginia[9] and New Jersey have banned pet leasing.[10] And a similar ban on pet leasing has passed the Rhode Island state house of representatives.[11][12] In Connecticut, State Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano has introduced legislation that would similarly ban pet leasing in his state.[13] Dog leasing is illegal in Massachusetts.[14][15]

According to several news sources, some lessees of pets believed they were buying their pets and were surprised to discover that they were only on loan.[16][17][18]

The American Kennel Club "supports a ban on predatory pet leasing schemes that victimize potential owners, undermine a lifetime commitment to a pet, and do not confer the rights and responsibilities associated with legal ownership of a pet."[19] Pet leasing has also been decried by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which has called for a state-by-state ban.[20]

References
  1. News, CBS. "Animal lovers decry "pet leasing" contracts". Retrieved 2018-08-01. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. Kosuda, Kelley (August 2018). "Michigan families tricked into leasing expensive dogs they..." www.clickondetroit.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  3. "Animal Lovers Claim Stores Duped Them Into Signing 'Pet Leasing' Contracts". 2018-07-30. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  4. Davis, Amy. "Is pet leasing more bark or bite?". www.click2houston.com. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  5. "Lender threatens to take dog back after saying woman was only leasing him". ABC News. 8 August 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  6. "Can having a pet ruin your credit score?". theweek.com. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  7. "Pet leasing: The latest in predatory lending – Animal Rights Channel". animalrightschannel.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-02.
  8. "Bill Passes Making New York the 3rd State to Ban Pet Leasing". US News & World Report. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  9. "LIS Virginia Law - Code of Virginia (§ 3.2-6513.2. Rental or lease of dog or cat prohibited; civil penalty)". Virginia Government - (Legal Information System (LIS). 2020.
  10. "Report warns of 'pet leasing' contracts". KRDO. 2018-07-30. Retrieved 2018-08-01.
  11. ChrisS. "RI House of Reps Passes Bill Banning "Forever Pets"". GoLocalProv. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  12. "Bill to Prohibit Pet Leasing Clears Rhode Island House". US News & World Report. 3 June 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  13. Journal, A. B. A. "Dog on a lease? Woman surprised to learn pet she paid for was a rental". ABA Journal. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  14. AG's Office Takes Action Against Illegal Dog Leasing 4/29/2021
  15. Company settles dog-leasing allegations for more than $900K 4/13/2022
  16. "Cats and Dogs for Lease, Suckers for Buyers". voicesofmontereybay.org. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  17. ""Pet Lending in New York", NewsDay, August 14, 2018". Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  18. Karin Brulliard (2021-10-28) [2017-12-20]. "Pet brokers are leasing puppies — and people are feeling scammed". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  19. "AKC Board Addresses Predatory Pet Leasing". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
  20. "Beware of "Puppy Leasing"". ASPCA. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
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