Q: If criteria for giving a dog as a gift are met, but the chip is in the gift-givers name, who owns the dog?
My mother and I met the dog when we transported him for a rescue group. We both loved the dog but he was being adopted by “C”. About a year after the adoption, “C” could no longer care for the dog. She reached out to my mother to ask if we were interested in adopting him. I said I was,. I agreed to adopt him and he has been in my home for over 2 years. Mother registered the chip in her name, didn’t add my name to vet account tho I paid for services and care.
My mother picked up the dog from C as I was working and picking my child up from school. (Mother is retired). No money/contract exchanged as dog was handed over to my mother. Mother then brought dog to my home where he has exclusively resided since that day. I feed him, care for him and vet him etc as he is our family pet. Occasionally my mother has paid for vet services and she has done so for my other 2 dogs as well.
My mother and I had a family dispute in April 2023 In sept she is requesting dog returned.l to her as owner.
A:
It appears that C gave the dog to you. Your mother acted as your agent when she picked up the dog for you.
Registration of the chip doesn't mean much. It has no relation to ownership (as in the case of vehicles or land), but rather just a system to establish a point of contact in case the dog is found.
But of course, if the ownership of the dog were to be litigated, your mother might have a different story than what you are indicating.
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