Long Island pet store to pay $300,000 after selling sick puppies to customers

Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement on Monday with a Long Island pet store, Shake A Paw, that required the company to pay $300,000 in restitution to approximately 190 customers. 

These customers suffered emotional and financial distress after purchasing sick puppies, some of which died shortly after being brought home. The settlement also mandates substantial changes in Shake A Paw’s business practices to prevent future misconduct.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) conducted an investigation into Shake A Paw, uncovering inhumane conditions and the sale of critically ill puppies, contradicting the store’s advertisements of selling the “healthiest” and “best of the best puppies” from “the most trusted breeders.” The investigation revealed that more than half of the puppies sold had significant health issues, including upper respiratory infections and parasites, with nearly 10 percent diagnosed with potentially fatal pneumonia.

“New Yorkers who purchase a dog are seeking loyal and loving additions to their families,” James said. “Unknowingly buying a sick puppy can be downright heartbreaking. Not only did Shake A Paw’s owners treat the dogs in their care despicably, they defrauded their customers by lying about their health, leaving many families stuck with expensive veterinary bills. Shake A Paw’s days of buying and selling sick puppies are over, and their former customers will get restitution for the losses they suffered.”