When Brian Drysdale walked into a Georgia pet store, he was simply looking to bring home a Shih Tzu. What he left with, however, was more than just a puppy—it was a financial commitment he didn’t fully understand, one that would nearly triple the cost of his new companion.

Brian thought he was financing his puppy Gizmo. What he actually agreed to was something very different: a lease-to-own contract that could have cost him over $6,000—more than twice the original sticker price of $2,500.

This story isn't just about one man's misstep. It's a cautionary tale for anyone considering buying a pet through "easy" payment plans.

 

The Puppy Lease Trap

In an undercover investigation, two producers posing as customers visited the same store where Brian purchased Gizmo. Their hidden camera captured a sales pitch that seemed more like financing than leasing: just $50 down with approval through Credova, or 90 days interest-free with EasyPay. The terms sounded manageable, even appealing.

But the devil, as always, was in the details.

While employees described the plan as “lease-to-own,” many consumers don’t realize what that actually means. Just like leasing a car, the customer doesn’t own the puppy until the full amount—and then some—is paid off. Worse still, if payments are missed, the financing company can legally repossess the dog. Yes, repossess a living animal.

In Brian's case, his first bill revealed that Gizmo wasn’t officially his. The contract referred to the dog as “the product,” and by the time the lease expired, he would have shelled out more than $6,000—not including a final balloon payment of over $400 just to assume ownership. That’s not financing. That’s predatory.

 

Brian’s finance contract revealed his puppy was a "product" lease and that he would have to pay over $400 just to assume ownership at the end of the lease period. (Img src: TrustDALE TV via Brian Drysdale)

 

Smoke and Mirrors: Misleading Marketing and Misinformed Staff

What makes this situation more troubling is the marketing and language used by the store. Posters and conversations suggest traditional financing, not a lease agreement. At no point were Brian—or the undercover producers—clearly told they were entering into a lease that could cost triple the original price.

And it appears even store employees were unaware of the full financial implications. When confronted, the store owner downplayed the seriousness of the contracts, stating: 

“These people want something for nothing. I’m just telling them how they can get their puppy at very minimal pricing.”

But minimal pricing is a far cry from $6,000 for a $2,500 puppy.

 

By the time the lease expired, Brian would pay more than $6,000 on a puppy he believed was $2,500.  (Img src: TrustDALE TV via Brian Drysdale)

 

The Legal and Ethical Issues at Play

Leasing living animals is legal in several states, though controversial. Critics argue it's exploitative and deceptive—especially when consumers are misled into believing they are financing a purchase, not renting a pet.

According to the ASPCA, pet leasing creates a potentially harmful dynamic for both the pet and the consumer. They recommend that potential pet owners avoid these agreements altogether and instead adopt from shelters or work with reputable breeders who offer straightforward payment options.

And they have a point. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with one predatory leasing company after receiving more than 15,000 consumer complaints in just over a year—many from people who didn’t realize they were entering lease-to-own agreements. As highlighted by consumer law experts, these types of retail leases are often marketed in ways that obscure their true cost and terms. Most customers don’t walk into a pet store expecting a payment plan that includes repossession rights—especially not for a living animal.

 

Most customers don’t walk into a pet store expecting a payment plan that includes repossession rights—especially not for a living animal. (src: DALL-E)

 

What You Can Do: Smart Pet Buying Tips

Before you bring home a new furry family member, here are a few key steps to protect yourself:

  • Read every contract in full—especially if it’s digital. Ask for a paper copy and review it before signing.
  • Look for language like “lease,” “product,” or “residual payment.” These are red flags.
  • Ask direct questions: Will I own the dog outright once the payments are complete? Can the dog be repossessed?
  • Compare total costs. If the monthly payments add up to far more than the original price, something’s not right.
  • Consider adopting. Local shelters often have dogs for under $100, including shots and microchipping. Visit lifelineanimal.org to see adoptable pets in the Atlanta area.
     

Final Thoughts

Brian was fortunate—thanks to investigative help, he was able to get out of his lease and officially own Gizmo. But not everyone is as lucky. These lease-to-own pet agreements prey on emotions and exploit confusion, often targeting buyers who simply want to take home a puppy that day.

If you're considering a new pet, don't just ask how much. Ask how you’ll be paying—and what that really means. Because no one should ever have to lease love.

And if you’ve had an experience with pet leasing or questionable financing practices, we want to hear from you. Your story might help someone else avoid a costly mistake.