Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Massachusetts

Q: I help to take care my friend's two dogs and one of them is sick. Am I responsible to pay the medication fees?

As the question asks, I've helped to take care of them for 45 days without any financial benefit. Now one is pretty healthy but another is sick. The hospital says it's because of starvation. I didn't starve him on purpose and I'm not a professional dog sitter. I just want to help my friend but doesn't care enough for both of them. The dog is in hospital now and I've paid the emergency fee and three days boarding fees for his re-feeding process. The owner considers it's all my fault and I should be responsible for all of the dog's medication fee. Since the dog owner didn't buy insurance, he asks me to pay the following hospitalization fee and implies if I don't pay, PETA will do the investigation on this case. So am I legally responsible for the dog's medication and hospitalization fee? Will PETA investigate and accuse me?

1 Lawyer Answer
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: It depends on the terms of your agreement with your friend, and also why the animal is sick (your fault or an underlying condition). If you were just doing your friend a favor (no promises made), and if you took reasonable good care of the pet and yet the pet had a natural malady which stymied its appetite, then I can see how your friend would have to pay for the bills and could be sued by you for recovery of your out-of-pocket losses. Otherwise, it depends on the facts.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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