MYNORTHWEST NEWS

WA sues Puppyland for alleged health issues, predatory loan practices

Apr 12, 2023, 10:37 AM | Updated: 11:17 am

puppyland...

A puppy store in Puyallup is facing a lawsuit from State Attorney General Bob Ferguson for misleading customers about the health of the dogs and engaging in a predatory loan practice. (Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)

(Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)

A puppy store in Puyallup is facing a lawsuit from State Attorney General Bob Ferguson for misleading customers about the health of the dogs and engaging in a predatory loan practice.

Ferguson’s office says more than 7,000 people have bought puppies from the stores in Washington — with some dogs reportedly becoming violently ill soon after the sale.

Seattle looks to create two new off-leash dog parks amid post-pandemic pet boom

Puppyland guarantees the health of all their puppies, touting “15-day viral guarantees,” “2-year guarantees,” and “10-year guarantees” on the health of the puppies, but when customers who have puppies with health issues try and get their money back, they are stopped by preconditions. Many of the “guarantees” include requirements for veterinary visits within three days of purchase, only cover certain ailments, and some customers have even just stopped receiving a response from Puppyland.

All of this comes along with the claim that the puppies come from the best breeders hand selected by the company but do not disclose breeding information. In reality, many of the puppies allegedly come from one of the largest puppy brokers in the country.

“In reality, many if not all of Defendants’ puppies sold in Washington come from an Iowa-based puppy broker named J.A.K.’s Puppies, Inc., one of the largest puppy brokers in the country, which sources dogs from a multitude of breeders. These weeks-old puppies are transported over a thousand miles in vans to arrive at Defendants’ stores in the middle of the night,” the suit said.

The lawsuit in King County Superior Court also claims buyers were taken advantage of and rushed into loans with interest rates approaching 200%. Many of the dogs that Puppyland sells are “purebred and designer mixed-breed puppies,” for which the lawsuit alleged that they sell for between $3,000 and $10,000 per dog.

The Attorney General’s office alleges that Puppyland tricked customers into bonding with the puppies before telling them the price in order to get people to sign up for payment plans with “predatory, same-day, high-interest loans.”

“When asked the price of a specific puppy, Puppyland employees are instructed to deflect the question and urge the consumer to play with the puppy,” the lawsuit alleges. “Only after a puppy play session, followed by a discussion outlining the availability of quick approval payment plans, is the exorbitant price finally revealed. Defendants’ employees then rush consumers through the purchase process, glossing over loan terms”

The attorney general wants the company to pay restitution to impacted customers, citing alleged “deceptive and unfair advertising and sales practices.”

A Puppyland spokesperson released the following statement to KIRO 7:

“…the premise of the lawsuit is inconsistent with our values and business practices. The health and welfare of our puppies has been and remains our first priority, and we give more people the ability to buy their next ‘forever’ pet.”

“The purchase of a family pet is a significant and meaningful transaction,” Ferguson said. “Businesses that sell puppies and other pets have an obligation to consumers not to deceive them or take advantage of them. We will continue working to ensure Washington families seeking to purchase a household pet are treated fairly.”

KIRO 7 contributed to this report

MyNorthwest News

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

33 minutes ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

4 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

5 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

6 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

6 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 hours ago

WA sues Puppyland for alleged health issues, predatory loan practices