Am I able to get compensation for my dog’s death?

Question

While I was in the hospital with pneumonia, my son took my Maltese Dog without my permission to his house where she was attacked by his Lab and Golden retriever resulting in her death. Can I be compensated for the vet bill and replacement cost? Is there anything else I can be compensated for. The vet bill was $3,700.00

Virginia, USA

Answer

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. I hope that you and your son can work out the monetary issues.

When a person’s negligent and/or intentional act causes harm to an animal, the animal’s “parent” can sue to try to get compensated. If the court determines that a person’s negligent and/or intentional act towards an animal caused harm to the animal, the court might award money for such things as veterinary costs to treat the animal, the cost to purchase another animal, and funeral/cremation expenses. Loss of companionship and emotional distress are not usually awarded but they have been in some cases around the country. However, in Virginia, courts have generally held that emotional damages are not recoverable for negligent harm to an animal. In determining an animal’s monetary value, courts may also consider whether an animal had special training and whether the animal was an emotional support or service animal.