Does a Breeder Have the Right to Reclaim a Dog After a Vaccine Records Dispute?

Question

A breeder gave me an adult dog she retired and said she had his vaccine and health records. She was supposed to give them to me with the dog but didn’t, saying she forgot and would send them to my vet. Now she is refusing to provide them. I told her that this must mean she did not vaccinate him. She became angry and said she was coming to take the dog back. I’ve had him for almost two months. Can she legally take the dog back, and how can I obtain his vaccine records from her?

Answer

People who give away or sell an animal generally have no further rights to that animal unless there was an agreement stating otherwise. People who believe that someone may attempt to steal their animal should take extra precautions to safeguard the animal. In the event a lawsuit is commenced (for example, the breeder sues to try to get the animal returned) or the police are contacted (although the police do not typically intervene in animal custody disputes), it can be helpful to have readily on hand proof that the dog was gifted, even texts and emails. Other evidence, such as microchip registration and veterinary records, can be helpful too.

Suing for vaccine records that may or may not exist or be up to date would take time and may result in no records being produced. Consider discussing the lack of vaccine records with your veterinarian. Animals with unknown vaccine or medical histories are routinely vaccinated. Consider, for example, that shelters do not usually have medical or vaccine histories for the lost and stray animals in their care and yet they are then vaccinated.