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.

Was my dog neutered or not?

Back in April of 2020 I spent around $400 to get my dog neutered. After he was fixed he wasn’t peeing right, he still doesn’t. Sometimes he lifts his leg (which I know is normal for males) but sometimes he squats, walks as he’s peeing and he even pees when he gets scared which he used to never do. A few months later we went to the breeder and ended up buying his sister. My dog is now a little over a year old and his sister is 6-7 months and we think she’s pregnant. Her nipples are enlarged and she appears to be nesting. If she is pregnant do you think the vet could have messed up while trying to get my dog neutered?

By |2021-02-22T11:59:10-04:00February 22nd, 2021|

Who is the rightful owner of the ashes?

My daughter gave me a dog 6 years ago. The dog had to be put down and now my daughter says the ashes belong to her, it was her dog. She said all I was was a body at home. The dog was older and had health issues. She never came to see the dog. I was the dog’s sole caretaker and I loved the dog with all that I had. I want the ashes. Who is the rightful owner?

By |2021-03-25T14:22:50-04:00February 11th, 2021|

Breeder has not sent me AKC papers after over two years.

I got my husky a little over two years ago. He was sold to me as a pure bred and I was told I would receive the papers after a few months. It has now been over two years and this woman has never answered me, nor returned any of my multiple emails. I am fed up. What should I do?

By |2021-03-25T14:28:36-04:00February 11th, 2021|

How can I get my emotional support dog back?

We had a person foster my dog while we got ourselves into a new home. My dog is an emotional support dog and they are refusing to give her back. I have the papers from my doctor stating she’s my emotional support dog. How can I get her back?

By |2025-11-13T11:47:05-04:00January 25th, 2021|

Should I help cousin adopt a cat?

My cousin is requesting me to adopt a cat for her and she will keep him. She cannot get him because she lives in an apartment and they are requesting an actual house. I am allergic to cats and although I love them, I do not want the legal responsibilities if she decides she no longer wants him. Is this okay or should I just let it be?

By |2021-02-22T12:26:32-04:00January 13th, 2021|
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