Lebanon, OH asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio

Q: Can someone give away a puppy they promised you to someone else?

I dog sat for a family while they’re dog was pregnant. I had to help deliver the puppies because she delivered when they were still out of town and the mom was having complications. The owners paid me for dog sitting and asked if I wanted a puppy. We picked a puppy, named it and have went to see it several times since it was born. They texted me yesterday that they are giving our puppy to someone else. They were giving the puppies away because they were accidents, so no money changed hands, but I still think it is very unfair that they give a puppy they promised to us (I have text messages showing that we agreed to take her) to someone else. Is there anything I can do to fight this. She told me over text message and I replied but she will not respond back to me.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Worthington, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Unfortunately yes. Without more, promises are not legally enforceable. If you had only agreed to dog sit so you would receive a puppy, that would be different. However, because they paid for the dog sitting and the puppy was only a gratuitous promise, you're likely out of luck.

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