Stow, OH asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio

Q: My daughter gave me her dog in January 2018 and in April 2019 asked to have him back. I said no because I had become

attached to him as well as my cat, Oscar so we were sharing him. She took him on July 28 and won't return him or let me bring him home--I babysit her daughter for free in her home. My husband and I have been paying his vet bills as well as his food and upkeep (i.e., grooming) for the past 18+ months. She says he's hers because she paid for him in the first place. What do you say?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
Answered
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: What was the understanding when she gave you the dog? If you were just supposed to look after the dog on a temporary basis, then it’s still hers even if that time was extended and you took on the dog’s expenses. If she gave the dog to you as a gift, then it’s yours.

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