Question
My ex-girlfriend and I just split up, and she kept all three dogs. One of the dogs was paid for by me, and I have bank statements to prove it, but the adoption paperwork and veterinary records are under my ex’s name. Do I have the right to claim the dog?
Answer
If a lawsuit for the return of an animal is commenced, the court will consider the evidence and determine rights. Proof of payment to purchase or adopt an animal can help to prove “parenthood” but it alone does not prove “parenthood.” For example, people sometimes gift an animal to another person. Courts also consider what happened after purchase/adoption, including such things as who has paid for the animal’s needs, under whose name the animal is registered, e.g., veterinary records, microchip, and dog license, and who has been the animal’s primary caretaker. Some courts also consider the animal’s well-being.
Consider that the dogs may be bonded so separating one dog from the other two dogs may not be in any of the dogs’ best interests. I hope that you and your ex can amicably work out an arrangement that is good for all of the dogs.
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