Q: Can I sue someone for emotional distress, trauma for negligent pet sitting, causing harm and loss to both my dogs?
We have known these people for 3 years, last year their pet setting was successful. They were instructed to keep dogs inside and walk when needed. I requested photos of the dogs while gone. First time she sent photos. Second no response. I contacted them to tell them I returned and needed to come get my dogs, no response. The next morning they told me one dog got out and hasn't returned. Their daughter told us she let them out, then left them to use bathroom and when she came back they were gone. So instead of looking she waited for him to return. When I arrived, I found one of my dogs with scars and scratches, no one was outside looking. When I took the dog to the vet, I was told he was in a dog fight, had three canine punctures wounds, it occurred 4-5 days ago (the time I requested photos) No-one took dog to vet, just said he was fine, not a dog bite. They spent the money I paid to care for my dog, didn't take him to vet left him suffering, and refusing to pay vet bill.
A: Generally no. Emotional distress isn't favored in law. Best you can do is claim for vet bill, any future medical care they will need, perhaps return of some of the pet sitting fees. Contact a Texas animal rights attorney but I believe that is all you can get.
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