Can I sue a shelter if they did not inform me the dog i addopted had ring worm and had not revived treatment prior.

Question

I adopted a dog and was told she was updated with shots / vaccinations I asked about the spots on her skin was told they where tick/flea scars. I adopted her an was supposed to revive email to set her up to get spayed. After waiting days and tried to call shelter I decided to just take the dog to a vet and found out she had ring worm all over. Ended up getting a hold of the shelter and they where fully aware the dog I got had ring worm and informed me they have other dogs at the shelter with ring worm as well none of which have bean treated. I have a 4 year old son who was with me at the adoption when I exsplained to her how contagious ring worm is she relied it was not a big deal and offered no appology or help. So now I have spent $200 for the adoption another $200 in vet bill just for today and will have to spend more in the next week on scans xrays and exams and blood work that my vet told me should have all bean done before the dog was adopted.

Kristina M. Bergsten · Answer

You can sue the shelter in small claims court to recoup the expenses you have incurred to take care of the dog.

Juliet Piccone · Answer

Did you adopt from a municipal shelter (i.e. governmentally owned or operated or a non-profit that has a contract with the government to adopt out pets?)  If so, it likely has governmental immunity and any lawsuit would be dismissed.  In addition, most adoption contracts state the animal is adopted as is and that there is no liability for disease or illness.  If you could actually prove knowledge that the animal was infected with ringworm, you can make a complaint to the dept of Agriculture for the shelter adopting an animal that they knew had an undisclosed disease, but that won't get your money back.

Q: Can I sue a shelter if they did not inform me the dog i addopted had ring worm and had not revived treatment prior.