Q: Can I be forced to give up a dog based on how it looks, due to breed restrictions of landlord's homeowners insurance?
I am looking into adopting a dog, and have gotten my landlord's permission to do so, albeit with some restrictions. His homeowners insurance company has blacklisted several breeds, including pit bulls. The dog I am interested in rescuing is labeled as a lab mix, and it is a puppy, so it is unclear at this time what other breed he might be mixed with. I know that sometimes shelters/rescues label pit/staffy mixes as labs, so my questions is, if as the dog gets older, he begins to look like he may be mixed with a dog that is on the list of restricted breeds, can they require me to re-home the dog or move, or do they have to go by the breed that is stated in the adoption paperwork? I just really want to avoid adopting a dog, only to have to give him up and put him back into a shelter, so any information you have would be extremely helpful.
A: Better safe than sorry: avoid adopting a dog that might violate your landlord's terms and insurance requirements. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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