‘Deceitful’ Pet Zone in Upstate forced to Reimburse Vet Bills from 2014

If you bought an animal from Pet Zone anytime after 2014, you may be entitled to a full reimbursement of vet bills as a result of the company's misleading and deceptive business practices.

New York Attorney General Letitia James didn't hold back on social media today when an agreement was reached on Monday with Bell Pet Company, which does business as The Pet Zone.  They have locations in Albany, Poughkeepsie, Watertown, and Queensbury.

According to a press release by Attorney General, the agreement "requires Bell Pet to pay a civil penalty and create a restitution fund of up to $200,000 to reimburse eligible consumers for medical costs."

The latest hammer dropped on Pet Zone is just part of a Government crackdown on the illegal, deceitful, and abusive ways of puppy mills and the like across the State of New York.

 

The Pet Zone, a pet store in Albany, Poughkeepsie, Watertown, and Queensbury, deceived New Yorkers into buying sick pets.

“It is despicable that anyone would sell sick pets, especially when it is a pet store with multiple locations across our state. Thank you, Attorney General James, for holding these despicable organizations accountable, and helping our neighbors who were targeted by their malicious business practices.” -Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan

Are you entitled to a refund of vet bills if you bought a sick animal at Pet Zone?

• The agreement requires that The Pet Zone creates a "restitution fund" of up to $200,000 to reimburse eligible consumers who purchased pets in or after January 2014.
• If you purchased a pet at any time on or after January 2014, and within 14 days of purchase received a certification from a vet that your pet was sick.
• If so, then you'll be entitled to a refund which includes "veterinary costs related to the vet’s certification and treatment for the illness up to the total cost of the pet, including tax."
• According to the press release, the fund will be available to any qualifying consumers for 12 months.

How can I submit a claim?

According to the press release, Pet Zone will be required to post information about submitting claims for anyone who believes they may be eligible to seek reimbursement.

If New Yorkers have questions about this settlement, they are encouraged to contact the OAG Watertown Regional office at (315) 523-6080.