Modesto, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for California

Q: Hi, my boyfriends dog was attacked while he was at work, I dropped him off at the vets. They are suing me now and not hm

i signed for the procedures when I dropped him off and explained that its not my dog. After that day, they talked to the owner for whatever procedures they needed to do and discussed whatever charges, They got the owners approval thru the phone, they have the owners info. they gave the dog to the owner when he died. Now they are charging me for the balance due saying I brought him in. Can they hold me responsible if I dropped him off? Any and all procedures they did after the first day they discussed with the owner not me. Now there threatening to send it to a collection agency against me? can they do this?

1 Lawyer Answer
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you signed documents at drop off that you were responsible for charges, they might have a claim. If not, I do not foresee how the vet could hold you responsible.

A collection agency can't do anything without a Judgment against you. A Judgment only happens after a lawsuit and a trial, which I assume has not happened. Tell any collection agency that you dispute the charges and you want no further contact, and you will seek recovery against it for violation of the California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act if it continues.

Gerald Barry Dorfman agrees with this answer

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