Question
We applied to adopt a dog through Adopt a Pet and met the owner. We learned that he was living in his car with two pit bull-type dogs and was unable to find housing after being evicted. We offered to keep both dogs for a couple of weeks so he could find a place to live. He has now found housing and is claiming that he is going to take both dogs back because he does not want to separate them.
Answer
It sounds as if you kindly agreed to keep both dogs for a couple of weeks so the dogs’ “parent” could find a place to live. Now that he has, it is unclear why you believe you are entitled to keep either of the dogs. People who agree to foster or pet-sit typically do not gain “parenthood” rights to the animals unless there is an agreement stating otherwise. Verbal agreements can be difficult to enforce without corroborating evidence as disputing parties often recount different versions of their agreement. I hope that everyone involved is considering the best interests of both dogs!
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