Q: How can I gain ownership of dogs I've cared for in Missouri?
I have been taking care of my son's two dogs since he bought them. One dog has been with us for 5 years, and the other for 2.5 years. During this time, my family and I have paid for all their expenses, including food and vet bills, and the neighbors can confirm the dogs have lived with us. Despite this, my son now says he might take them back unless we pay him for the dogs. We have no written agreements regarding the dogs' custody. How can we formally gain ownership of these dogs?
A: They are not yours even if you have spent money on them. You can buy the dogs from your son if the parties agree upon the terms.
Robert Grant Pennell agrees with this answer
A: Ron is correct. However, as the owner of the dogs, your son was legally responsible for the cost of care and maintenance for the animals. So, negotiate a price for the dogs and then offset it with your bill for services for the care and maintenance of the dogs for the past roughly 2750 days of care. Contact several local kennels to find out what they charge per day for care and maintenance. Take an average of those amounts and multiply that figure by 2750 days to come up with the amount he owes you.
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