Charlotte, NC asked in Business Law and Animal / Dog Law for Maryland

Q: Can a pet store refuse to sell me a puppy just because I have children?

I drove 2 hours (From centeral VA to MD, to a pet store we've prevuously been to and took our children to) to see a puppy we had our hearts set on only to have the pet store deny us the sale just because we have chikdren. Is that legal? I understand screening potential byers for things like animal-related criminal history and financial and housing stability (all things that we check out just fine on), but is family size and age of household members a legit reason to deny a sale?

Also, I am not sure if it's relevant, but we are "quiverful" believers so having children (not using birth control) is tied into our religous beliefs, which mean no pupot from that store for who knows how many more years as we are both well within childbearing years.

1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: It’s a private company so they can do what they want. You’ll find it much easier to adopt the same day at the county animal shelter or the local humane society, who have many rescues looking for a home.

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