To obtain the remedies provided for in Section 122160, the purchaser shall substantially comply with all of the following requirements:

(a)  Notify the pet dealer as soon as possible but not more than five days after the diagnosis by a veterinarian licensed in this state of a medical or health problem, including a congenital or hereditary condition and of the name and telephone number of the veterinarian providing the diagnosis.

(b)  Return the dog to the pet dealer, in the case of illness, along with a written statement from a veterinarian licensed in this state, stating the dog to be unfit for purchase due to illness, a congenital or hereditary condition, or the presence of symptoms of a contagious or infectious disease, that existed on or before delivery of the dog to the purchaser, and that adversely affects the health of the dog. The purchaser shall return the dog along with a copy of the veterinarian’s statement as soon as possible but not more than five days after receipt of the veterinarian’s statement.

(c)  Provide the pet dealer, in the event of death, with a written statement from a veterinarian licensed in this state stating that the dog died from an illness that existed on or before the delivery of the dog to the purchaser. The presentation of the statement shall be sufficient proof to claim reimbursement or replacement and the return of the deceased dog to the pet dealer shall not be required.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1996.)