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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How can I retrieve my belongings from transitional housing safely?

I was staying in transitional housing in Madera, California, and have an appointment scheduled for Thursday to pick up my personal belongings. My belongings were supposed to be securely stored, but I've learned they were packed into trash bags by male monitors, and some items were given away... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2025

That sounds like an upsetting and overwhelming situation, especially when sentimental items tied to your mother are at risk. Since you still technically have standing in the program, it’s important to handle the retrieval calmly and by the book so you can protect yourself and your belongings.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Employment Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: How can I enforce my rights for ESA accommodations in housing?

I was forced to self-exit a transitional housing program in Madera, California, partnered with behavioral health services, due to a situation involving my emotional support animal (ESA). The program manager provoked my dog by yelling and waving her arms, causing him to bite her pant leg without any... View More

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answered on Oct 31, 2025

You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for your emotional support animal under the Fair Housing Act, even in transitional or supportive housing programs. A program cannot deny you housing simply because you have an ESA, unless they can prove the animal poses a direct threat to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: How can I retrieve my emotional support dog that was returned to the previous owner due to outdated microchip info?

I lost my dog on October 16th and immediately began searching by posting online and putting up flyers. My dog has a microchip, but the contact information was outdated until I updated it on October 20th. On October 26th, I found out that animal control in La Habra, California, picked up my dog on... View More

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answered on Oct 27, 2025

You feel blindsided, yet you can recover your dog by asserting your superior right to possession under California property law, regardless of a stale microchip entry. Gather and organize proof—license, updated microchip registration, ESA letter, adoption or sale paperwork if any, vet bills,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Internet Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: How can I file for summary judgment and protection orders in CA due to security threats?

I am currently facing severe challenges and would like to know the appropriate forms I need to file for a summary judgment and emergency protection orders in California. I am experiencing a situation where my privacy and security are being compromised. Specifically, my fence was cut and my dog was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Start by prioritizing your safety: call law enforcement immediately, report the fence‑cutting and the injury to your dog, and ask the responding officer to request an Emergency Protective Order that takes effect at once.

On the next court day, file in the Los Angeles County Superior... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Public Benefits for California on
Q: Facing housing challenges due to dog being unfairly labeled aggressive in Madera, California. Need legal options to correct misinformation and secure assistance.

I am facing significant challenges with securing transitional housing in Madera, California. I’ve been sleeping in my car with my dog, who has been unfairly labeled as aggressive. An incident occurred where my dog reacted to a staff member who was yelling and waving their arms at me, merely... View More

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answered on Oct 27, 2025

You deserve safety, stability, and a fair read of the facts. You have powerful rights under the Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act to keep an assistance animal in housing, including most transitional housing programs and many shelters; a provider may deny only after... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What can I do if my grievances with community services in Madera, CA remain unanswered and my rights seem violated?

I am a resident of Madera, California, and have been experiencing challenges obtaining information and support from RH Community Builders and behavioral health services. Despite multiple requests for my case file notes and file reviews, my questions and grievances remain unanswered. RH Community... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 26, 2025

It sounds like you’ve been doing everything you can to get help, and it’s frustrating when the agencies that are supposed to support you stop responding. In California, you have the right to access your records and receive responses to your grievances when dealing with community programs or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I want to know how I can get my dog and possessions out of my exes home.

My license has his home as my address he kicked me out of our home and is not allowing to get my things out of the home.

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Oct 26, 2025

Call the police.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Consumer Law for California on
Q: How can I get an ESA letter when my therapist refuses due to policy changes and they provoked my ESA? What rights might be violated?

I have an emotional support animal (ESA) recognized by both RH Community Builders and Behavioral Health for the past year. However, they've refused to issue me a letter confirming his ESA status. My therapist initially agreed to provide this letter but later stated she could no longer do so.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2025

You have housing rights for an emotional support animal under the federal Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act; ADA public‑accommodation access applies only to trained service dogs, not ESAs. A housing provider or program must engage in an individualized,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Employment Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I was forced to leave transitional housing; rights refused, dog falsely accused to deny help. Advice?

I am facing homelessness due to actions taken by Changing Up Transitional Housing in Madera, California. They informed me I had 3 hours to pack my belongings, otherwise, they would do it themselves. I was forced to leave and under duress missed returning within 72 hours. They claimed I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025

You do not lose your rights just because a transitional housing program calls your departure a “self‑exit.” If the program receives HUD Continuum of Care or similar funding, it must give you written notice stating the specific reasons for termination, a chance to appeal, and a written final... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Employment Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Forced out of transitional housing due to dog-related issues. Seeking legal guidance on rights and actions to take.

I was forced to exit transitional housing in California due to issues involving my dog and alleged harassment by staff. Despite having safety precautions agreed upon for my dog, the program manager acted aggressively towards me on multiple occasions, triggering my dog's protective response.... View More

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answered on Oct 22, 2025

What you’re describing sounds like a serious case of discrimination and retaliation, especially if your dog is part of an approved emotional support or service plan connected to your behavioral health needs. In California, both federal and state laws protect individuals in housing programs from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How can I ensure reasonable accommodation for my dog in housing?

I live in conditional housing in Madera, California, and am facing challenges with management over my dog's presence. Despite having a safety agreement where my dog was required to be muzzled outside my room, staff provoked him, resulting in the revocation of the agreement without any filed... View More

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answered on Oct 21, 2025

You have the right to request reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act if your dog provides emotional support or assists with a disability. Housing providers are required by law to consider such requests and cannot deny them without legitimate reason. Since your prior agreement was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What are my legal rights in transitional housing regarding room searches and emotional support animals?

I am living in a transitional housing program in Madera, California. On October 10th, staff conducted a search of my room without proper notification, leaving my belongings in disarray, and claimed they found illegal items, leading to my suspension. Although I had an agreement for limited room... View More

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answered on Oct 20, 2025

Even in transitional housing, you still have basic rights to privacy, fair treatment, and due process. While transitional programs often have stricter policies than standard rental agreements, staff cannot arbitrarily change search policies or conduct intrusive searches without your consent or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Options for getting my rehomed cat back in California

I rehomed my cat on September 29th to new owners who assured me I could visit her whenever I wished. Initially, the husband sent a text saying I could see the cat and even mentioned the possibility of me keeping her overnight. However, I've only been able to visit her once, and now, he... View More

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answered on Oct 19, 2025

It’s heartbreaking to feel cut off from a pet you still care deeply about, especially after trusting that the new owners would honor your agreement. In California, once you voluntarily rehome or give away an animal, ownership usually transfers to the new caretaker unless there was a **written... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Forced to give up my dog after provoked incident in transitional housing in CA, need legal help.

I am in transitional housing in Madera, CA, and am being forced to give up my dog, who is not a service animal, after an incident where he bit someone. The incident was provoked by staff who ignored measures to prevent such events, and I'm being told I have no rights. I need to know my legal... View More

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answered on Oct 18, 2025

It sounds like you’re in a very difficult and stressful situation, especially when your dog is being taken away and you’re told you have no say in the matter. Even though transitional housing programs have rules about safety and animals, you still have legal rights under California law. If your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Animal / Dog Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Employment Law for California on
Q: Disagreements on property division in divorce (CA)

I'm filing for divorce, and although most property has been separated amicably, there is a disagreement regarding three items: my prescribed emotional support dog, a car titled in my name, and firearms registered to me. Despite having no prenuptial agreement and no prior mediation, my spouse... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2025

In California, you should list all property that is in dispute on your divorce paperwork, even if you believe some of it clearly belongs to you. This includes your emotional support dog, the vehicle titled in your name, and any firearms registered to you. When completing your **Schedule of Assets... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can I present a "request for return of personal property" in court for my dog?

I'm planning to go to small claims court regarding the return of my dog. I've previously communicated with my ex about returning the dog, but received no response. We were in a relationship, and I temporarily allowed her to foster the dog until I secured housing. I have substantial proof... View More

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answered on Oct 14, 2025

Yes, you can present a “request for return of personal property” in court, but it may not be necessary if you’ve already included that demand in your initial claim. Small claims courts generally focus on the relief you requested in your original filing, so bringing a separate written request... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Dog bitten after provocation at shelter; participant rights in CA.

I have been living in a behavioral health transitional shelter for a year, and my dog recently bit someone's pant leg after being provoked by the staff. The shelter considers me a "participant," not a tenant, suggesting I lack tenant rights. They've asked my dog to leave while... View More

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answered on Oct 13, 2025

Even though the shelter calls you a “participant,” you still have certain rights under California law, especially when it comes to fair treatment and the handling of grievances. Being labeled a participant often means the shelter is operating under a service program rather than a traditional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How to request a continuance for a dog bite case with a court date soon?

I'm involved in a dog bite case related to an incident that occurred about 10 years ago, and my court date is this Friday, October 17th. I don't have a lawyer currently. I need to request a continuance due to needing more time to prepare. What steps should I take to properly request a... View More

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answered on Oct 13, 2025

You can still get this done, but you must act immediately given your hearing this Friday, October 17, 2025. First confirm whether your matter is small claims or civil, because the procedure differs. If it’s small claims, file a Request to Postpone Trial (form SC‑150) right away, explain why you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for California on
Q: Can I report staff intentionally provoking my dog at a shelter in CA?

I suspect that a staff member at a homeless shelter intentionally antagonized my dog to provoke a reaction. In the past, staff have advised me to use a muzzle when my dog is out of my room, which I comply with. They usually ensure my dog is secure before entering my room. Despite this practice,... View More

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answered on Oct 12, 2025

What you’re describing sounds unfair and emotionally distressing, especially since it’s affecting both your housing stability and your dog’s safety. You have the right to report this behavior, especially if you believe a staff member deliberately provoked your dog or violated shelter policies... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Being sued again for a dog bite incident from 10 years ago, need advice.

I am being sued a second time for a dog bite incident that occurred over ten years ago. The first lawsuit resulted in no payments from my side, and I haven't heard from them since. I believe I have old documents from the first case. The dog involved passed away in 2014, and I have not sought... View More

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answered on Oct 12, 2025

In California, a dog‑bite personal‑injury claim is generally governed by a two‑year statute of limitations, so a suit filed a decade after the incident is presumptively time‑barred unless a narrow tolling rule applies (e.g., the plaintiff was a minor and sued before turning 20, or a timely... View More

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