Pet Legal Q&A

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.

Do I have to give the dog back?

The dog was left with me while the owner went out of town for 2.5 weeks. It's been 7 weeks now, and she wants to come get her. The dog's nails were neglected, and no shots were given, that I know of. I have given my landlord a deposit, had her bathed, ears, and nails done, and had her vaccinations done. Do I have to give her back? She's a lawyer and leaves her sometimes for 12-14 hours. Please help, this baby is my life now, and my whole apartment unit loves her.

By |2023-07-17T15:29:57-04:00June 5th, 2023|

Adoption

I found a stray dog and took it to the pound. They told me that after a week, it will be put up for adoption. Can I legally adopt it after that week, even if I'm the one who turned it in?

By |2023-05-19T13:11:18-04:00April 24th, 2023|

Can I get my dog back?

I rehomed my puppy about a week and a half ago but have had a change of mind. Is it possible for me to get him back? He is chipped under my name.

By |2023-05-19T13:15:19-04:00April 23rd, 2023|

Asking for neighbor to pay for cremation.

My dachshund was pulled from under the fence line and into the neighbor's yard, where she was mauled. The sheriff/Animal Control came and took the neighbor's dog, which was euthanized. Now, I would like them to pay for it all - the emotional toll this has taken on my family, the cost of getting her cremated, everything. I just don't know where to begin or how to go about demanding payment. I simply need a little guidance.

By |2023-05-19T13:17:41-04:00April 17th, 2023|

I want my Yorkie back from a friend.

Hello, I let my friend take my Yorkie with the intent to pay me $3000 she was to stud him out and give me the money. I never heard from her and she has blocked me on all phone and social media. I want my dog back! I never signed his papers over to her. She has the papers and he is legally in my name. What can I do??

By |2023-04-21T20:34:41-04:00April 12th, 2023|

Inheritance of a dog

Hi! My question is to confirm what happens to my dog if I die without a signed will in place. I am not married, so I believe my parents will take ownership of all my assets/belongings. Some legal articles online state that a pet is treated like the rest of the deceased's property, which means my dog will also go to my parents by default. Can you confirm this, please?

By |2023-05-19T13:03:35-04:00April 12th, 2023|

AKC papers

I bought a purebred Toy Australian Shepherd 8 months ago. The breeder told us the dog was papered and sold him to us at a papered price. She also took our address and said that the papers would be mailed to us. After months of not receiving them, I contacted her to find out the issue. She agreed to mail them again, but after more months, we still have not received them. So, I contacted her again to meet in person, which she has not responded to. What can I do since I paid the price of a papered dog?

By |2023-05-19T15:03:50-04:00April 9th, 2023|

Dog adoption from rescue out of state.

I got approved to adopt a dog from a rescue, signed the papers, and did everything required. I was told that the dog would be here on April 22nd. I had been in a wheelchair for a year, but now I am doing better and using a walker. However, they never asked how I'm doing now; instead, they asked what put me in a wheelchair. To my surprise, I saw my dog up for adoption. They kept my money and claimed that the dog is not safe with me in a wheelchair. I called them, but they won't respond. This feels like discrimination. All I want is my dog; we signed paperwork finalizing the adoption. My husband is here 24/7 to help with taking care of the dog. What can I do to get my dog back?

By |2023-05-19T15:07:41-04:00April 2nd, 2023|
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