Question
I am fostering a dog and applied to adopt her. The rescue told me I am a great home but is refusing to let me adopt because I questioned some of her ethics, and she is angry with me. I then wanted to return the dog. Under my foster agreement, I am held non-liable for returning her, but she is holding me to my adoption paperwork and saying that if I return the dog, I have to pay for boarding and expenses. She has also threatened me with legal action. I have asked many times for copies of my foster and adoption contracts that I signed, but she ignores me. Additionally, she has an EIN from New Jersey, and I do not believe she is registered in New York to do business. She has been operating in New York since 2021. I love the dog, but I cannot deal with the harassment.
Answer
Most importantly, I hope this dog is doing well. It is quite sad that the dog’s future is caught up in a dispute of this kind.
Complaints about shelters and rescue organizations can be made to the Attorney General and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.