Elmira, NY asked in Contracts and Animal / Dog Law for New York

Q: If two people are on a vet account but only one signs any papers and payment agreement are both responsible for the bill

A few months ago my ex sister in laws pet needed to be seen by a vet. I called the vet and set up the appointment for her. The vet put both of our names on the file even tho it was for her animal. I went with her to the appointment for moral support and I watched her animal for a few days till she got the new cage she got set up. She paid part of the bill a week after the visit. And signed a payment plan. However she still owes part of the bill she hasn’t paid. fast forward to a few weeks ago my pet needed to be seen and the vet refused to see my animal due to the outstanding balance. They are claiming that it’s my outstanding bill even tho it’s for an animal that’s not mine, I’ve never signed a single paper at the office( my ex sister in law signed everything as it was her animal). They claim it was my responsibility because my names on the account and I was at the appointment. Now i no longer speak to my ex sister in law and she changed all contact info never told the vet.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: It sounds like you have some choices: (1) Pay the old vet bill so the vet will take your pet in; (2) don't pay the vet bill and wait to see if the vet tries to collect; (3) Ignore the two previous choices and find a new vet for you pet (4) do nothing.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.