At first glance, it seems like a dream come true: a sweet Shih Tzu puppy, all fluff and love, available for just $50 upfront.
But behind the wagging tails and polished pet store counters lies a financial trap too many consumers don’t see until it’s too late.
A Price Tag That Triples Overnight
Brian Drysdale walked into a Georgia pet store and walked out with Gizmo, an AKC-certified Shih Tzu. The price? Around $2,500. Steep, but manageable, he thought, thanks to what was described as "financing."
What Brian didn’t realize was that he hadn’t signed up for a loan. He’d signed a lease. Just like leasing a car, leasing a dog meant he didn’t technically own Gizmo. And if payments weren’t made, the leaseholder had the legal right to repossess the dog.
By the time Brian added up the interest, fees, and end-of-lease buyout amount, the total cost came to over $6,000. Even after all that, he would still need to pay over $400 more just to officially own his dog.
Undercover Footage Reveals the Truth
In a hidden camera investigation, store employees detailed how customers could take home a puppy for as little as $50 upfront using companies like Credova and EasyPay.
While employees described the process as “lease-to-own,” they often skipped over the critical details:
- These contracts allow third-party companies to maintain legal ownership of the animal during the lease term.
- Monthly payments can quickly balloon far beyond the original sticker price.
- If buyers miss a payment, their puppy could legally be repossessed.
Store staff emphasized the flexibility of early payoffs and no-interest options if paid off within a window, but they rarely warned customers about the actual long-term costs or the legal classification of their pet as "the product."
And there’s the emotional toll: unlike a car or a couch, this “product” is a living, breathing companion.
What the Store Didn’t Say
Even more troubling, store employees and ownership appeared unaware of just how financially burdensome these leases could become for customers. One employee dismissed the issue, saying most people opt for financing because it's "only $50 out the door."
But as the investigation revealed, customers were misled into thinking they were getting traditional financing. In reality, they were entering into legally binding lease agreements where the pet remains property of the leasing company until every last fee is paid.
Some stores even advertised themselves as “Christian-based” and focused on “doing it for the puppies,” while sourcing animals from out-of-state breeders and promoting high-interest payment plans with minimal transparency.
The Real Cost of That Cuteness
These lease-to-own arrangements can transform a $2,500 dog into a $6,000+ commitment. Add in vet bills, food, and accessories, and it’s a financial burden many families aren’t prepared for.
If you’re considering a puppy purchase, here are a few smart steps to take:
- Ask directly whether the payment plan is a loan or a lease. If it’s a lease, walk away.
- Read the entire contract, preferably before signing and ideally in print.
- Research the financing company. Look up consumer reviews and any complaints.
- Be cautious of stores that overemphasize same-day pickup or low-down-payment offers.
And perhaps most importantly, consider adoption. Shelters across Georgia are full of loving animals in need of homes, often for less than $100.
Before You Sign…
Ask yourself: would you lease a family member? That’s essentially what pet leasing does – turns a companion into collateral.
Pets are not products. They’re not furniture, phones, or gadgets. They’re living beings who deserve responsible, transparent care. And you deserve to know exactly what you’re committing to before it costs you thousands more than expected.