Q: Can I legally own a dog if someone else’s name is on a vet record?
Around the end of May, my boyfriend’s sister brought a dog to live with us. We said the dog could stay for 2-3 days, but she told us it would be until she moves out without even asking us. She has only paid for 1 vet visit (that I paid part of) and the very beginning essentials. Since then, she has not done anything for the dog. We started keeping track of how often she saw the dog and in the month of June she saw her for 5 ish hours. The whole month. We pay for the dog food, toys, leashes, harnesses, leads, treats, and anything the dog might need. Basically, we care for her like she is ours. The owner has never called or texted to see how she is doing, but has told us that she is planning to move out soon and is taking the dog, who she barely understands or knows how to deal with or care for. We haven’t spoken to her yet, but we are close with her and know she won’t just give the dog to us. We want to own the dog, but her name is listed as the owner on a vet record. HELP!
A: Vet records usually are not considered ownership documents in and of themselves. Purchase or adoption paperwork are #1; microchip or registration records are usually #2; then vet records at looked at. So, it's hard to answer your question. That said, since you know she is the original owner, it's hard for me to say you have a claim. I would recommend offering to the buy the dog from her and if she agrees, get the transfer of ownership in WRITING.
1 user found this answer helpful
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.
