Pet Legal Q&A

a woman and a dog

Elinor D. Molbegott, is an attorney who maintains a law practice devoted to animal law. Elinor donates her time to answer questions from North Shore Animal League America supporters who would like to learn more about animal law.

Looking for clarity regarding adoption fee for feral cats I’m fostering.

I have been fostering a feral mother and her five kittens since they were three weeks old. We have decided to keep three of the babies . When we reached out to the organization that we are supporting, they informed me that I would still have to pay an adoption fee. Though they gave us a discount they still want over $400. They said at first that the fee is covered neutering, vaccination, and micro chipping. I told them that I will cover neutering, and I don’t want them to be microchip. Then they changed their tune and said that the fee is the adoption fee. Should I submit all the receipts of everything to support these babies for the last three weeks? I never signed a contract. And I feel like I’m being taken advantage of.

By |2025-07-02T15:50:15-04:00June 30th, 2025|

I need help reclaiming my cats.

I need an animal rights lawyer. My cats got lost and were at the animal shelter. They're emotional support animals and I looked everywhere for them for months.

By |2025-07-02T15:44:37-04:00June 28th, 2025|

Do I legally have to take the dog back?

Rehomed a dog to someone. He payed me money for him and got vet records in his name, but wants to make me take him back. I don't want to; do I have to legally take him back?

By |2025-07-02T15:45:48-04:00June 13th, 2025|

Adopter had a young and healthy dog from a rescue euthanized.

The rescue's contract stated that dog should be returned if the adopter was having any considerations to rehome or euthanize. Their vet euthanized the dog due to behavior; with no bite history, no animal control report, no reports from 3rd party on aggression - and the dog had been reduced to "foster" status by the rescue, who stated they would get the dog as soon as the the rescue owner had recovered from surgery. The dog was chopped (to the rescue) and was never checked.

By |2025-07-02T15:46:15-04:00June 11th, 2025|

Shelter won’t let me wait to neuter my dog.

I adopted a male German Shepard in December 2024 and signed an agreement he would be neutered at 6 months. At that time, I was unaware of the health risks of neutering large breed dogs. He is 6 months old, now and I requested the rescue allow me to wait until he was at least a year old to give him the best chance of a healthy life without risks of bone problems and let his growth plates mature to avoid problems later in life. I will have him neutered, I just wanted to wait, but the rescue said no! They told me I have to do it asap. My vet has even spoke with them about waiting as well to allow his growth plates to fully close. Rescue is still being very stubborn even after my vet has assured them that I am a good and responsible pet parent. What should I do now?

By |2025-06-09T11:15:38-04:00May 3rd, 2025|

Emergency tail amputation due to groomer negligence.

Our dog had to have emergency surgery to amputate her tail due to groomer negligence. Groomer and her insurance company are accepting liability and will cover vet costs... but do we have any recourse for any future complications that may arise after our dog is healed from this surgery? The insurance company is saying no.

By |2025-05-07T15:24:02-04:00April 30th, 2025|

The pound gave my dog $40 worth of vaccines.

My dog got out and shortly after was picked up by the pound. While I understand the impound fee, they are also charging me for $40 worth of vaccines which they administered upon her arrival and without my consent. I have proof that my dog has all needed vaccines and is up to date. All licenses, fees, etc., are up to date as well. Can I refuse to pay for the vaccines?

By |2025-05-07T15:22:10-04:00April 30th, 2025|

My neighbor stole and rehomed my cat.

My neighbor stole my cat than rehomed him. I’m suing them, but it's just so hard to find attorney to take my case. I have a court date already and it’s in July. Any suggestions or advice?

By |2025-05-07T15:20:03-04:00April 16th, 2025|

Scammed by Facebook breeder.

I have been scammed by a person who said they are a breeder on Facebook. She FaceTimed through Messenger, and I saw the puppy. I sent her a deposit of $500.00 through Zelle, but I have no contract. This women has been stringing us along for the past 2 days and she was supposed to be bringing me them, then something comes up. I don't know what to do. I don’t have her phone number or address. She would not call me or text me on my phone. Everything was through messenger. I was just wondering what my options were.

By |2025-05-07T15:17:37-04:00April 16th, 2025|
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