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In December 2021, James announced that her office secured a court order banning Shake A Paw stores in Hicksville and Lynbrook in Nassau County from purchasing or adopting new puppies.
According to investigators, Shake A Paw:
- Falsely advertised sick pets as healthy
- Fabricated health certificates;
- Failed to disclose the animals’ legitimate medical conditions;
- Misrepresented puppies’ breeds;
- Refused to reimburse consumers for veterinarian bills when they lodged complaints with the company.
In addition to the lawsuit, James also filed for a temporary restraining order against Shake A Paw to protect the puppies currently in their care on Long Island.
Shake A Paw challenged the restraining order in court, but it was upheld and the temporary order remains in place.
“It's unconscionable that Shake A Paw bought and sold sick puppies,” James' office said in a statement. "I am glad that our court order has been upheld so that Shake A Paw cannot buy or adopt any more puppies for resale in New York. My office will continue to hold them accountable and protect innocent puppies.”
The investigation into Shake A Paw was launched after James’ office received multiple complaints from customers regarding the puppies they got from the store.
According to James, a review of hundreds of veterinary records and complaints found that Shake A Paw sold some puppies with serious illnesses, including some that died within days of being brought home.
Several puppies were also suffering from serious illness and congenital defects, displaying visible signs of illness at the time of sale, despite receiving health certifications signed off by Shake A Paw’s contracted veterinarians, oftentimes days before the sale.
Of the 408 records reviewed of puppies sold at Shake A Paw locations, more than half were infected with parasites; 52 percent presented coughing, sneezing, an upper respiratory infection, or breathing problems, and nearly 10 percent were diagnosed with pneumonia.
In addition, the Attorney General’s Office reviewed 113 Shake A Paw records, out of which 67 — nearly 60 percent of the health certificates — were issued between zero and 19 days prior to sale.
Oftentimes, it is alleged that Shake A Paw turned a blind eye to consumers looking for reimbursement for their puppy, and saddled the puppies’ new owner with massive veterinary bills.
“We can and should no longer turn a blind eye to the stories of people buying sick puppies from Shake A Paw and other pet stores. Not only are families left brokenhearted, but they are also left with massive veterinary bills,” US Rep. Tom Suozzi said.
“Pet stores that buy, transport, and sell animals from puppy mills must be held accountable and the attorney general’s efforts will do just that.”
State Sen. Jim Gaughran added that “Adopting a ‘furever’ friend shouldn't be a process filled with lies, falsified records, or expensive veterinary bills,” adding, “Shake A Paw deceived countless families looking to bring home a puppy, prioritizing profits over the puppies' well-being.”
Shake A Paw has denied any wrongdoing since the allegations were made and the restraining order issued.
“Shake A Paw only acquires puppies from lawful sources - federally licensed breeders and brokers who are in compliance with federal regulatory requirements,” attorneys for the store said in a statement.
“And Shake A Paw scrupulously complies with the New York Pet Lemon Law, as well as all state and federal regulations. The claim that Shake A Paw knowingly sells sick puppies is groundless.’
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