Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My boyfriend, who lives in Tennessee, gave me our shared cat to take back to Ohio to live with me. He is now asking for the cat back because things did not work out between us. He initially bought the cat, so it is registered in his name, but I have paid for all veterinary expenses and have records... View More
I entrusted my cat to someone 4 years ago with a verbal agreement, witnessed, that I could reclaim my pet once I moved to a suitable place. We’ve maintained consistent contact, and I have text communications confirming the arrangement. I also contributed to half of the cat's surgery and vet... View More

answered on Apr 11, 2025
This is such a painful and frustrating situation, especially since you've stayed involved in your cat’s care and made it clear you always intended to bring them home. The verbal agreement, your ongoing communication, and shared vet costs show a continued connection and responsibility. The... View More
I found a lost dog in Ohio that had been hit by a car and required urgent veterinary care. I paid for the vet bills because the dog needed immediate attention, but I couldn't notify the owner as the dog was lost and no contact information was available. If the owner eventually turns up, am I... View More

answered on Apr 11, 2025
In Ohio, when you find a lost dog and provide necessary veterinary care, you may have grounds to seek reimbursement from the original owner once they are identified. Under common law principles, taking in and caring for a lost pet can create an implied bailment relationship. This means the finder... View More
I received a 3-day eviction notice from my parents, who claimed my dog was destroying their house, even though my dog was with me the entire time. I do not pay rent or contribute financially to the household. Can they legally evict me under these circumstances?

answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Ohio, even though you are living with your parents and not paying rent, they still have the right to ask you to leave. Since there’s no formal rental agreement or lease in place, your parents could ask you to leave as a guest or occupant at any time, especially if they feel uncomfortable with... View More
For context, my boyfriend and I ended up losing our home and living in his moms basement for a couple months. I found out I was pregnant and soon after, him and his mom had gotten into an argument about the way we were being treated there. (Not being able to do laundry, being accused of things we... View More

answered on Jun 21, 2024
Based on the situation you've described, here are some potential steps you could consider:
1. Document everything: Make a detailed list of all your belongings that are still at your boyfriend's mother's house, including any items of particular value or importance.
2.... View More
They keep 10 or more dogs on the property but they don't live there. They have no control of them most of the time. Sometimes most of them are in pens. They are barking more then they are not.

answered on May 27, 2024
If you are experiencing constant barking from dogs in a township outside of Troy, Ohio, this may indeed violate local noise ordinances. Many townships and municipalities have specific regulations regarding noise disturbances, including excessive barking from dogs. These regulations are in place to... View More
I have been diagnosed by 2 mental health professional with disorders that meet the criteitia for an ESA animal. I turned in the proper letters and info but my apartment complex denied me and didn't state why. Then I provided the professionals credentials to show they can write the letter. The... View More

answered on Feb 23, 2024
It sounds like you are facing a challenging situation with your apartment complex regarding your emotional support animal (ESA). While you have provided the necessary documentation from mental health professionals to qualify for an ESA, your apartment complex has denied your request without stating... View More
They were aware before I moved in

answered on Feb 2, 2024
In Ohio, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act. If your service dog assists with a disability, such as a physical or mental impairment, your landlord cannot legally require you to give up the dog. Additionally, if your... View More
When I had to put my cat down, I was not in the correct state of mind. I could barely comprehend what was going on at the time as if I was in a dissociative state. I'm not able to pay the bill, and despite me saying that multiple times, it felt as if they kept pressuring me to sign the... View More
We've spoken to them but they don't fix the problem

answered on Nov 12, 2023
Here are a few options you can consider to address the neighbor's barking dogs in Cleveland, Ohio:
- Contact your local animal control department. Persistent or excessive barking that disturbs the peace is prohibited under Cleveland city ordinances. Animal control can investigate,... View More
Hi, I purchased a dog for us when we were together. I have the receipts with my name only on the purchase as well as all communication with the breeder. Within weeks of the purchase my gf broke up with me and took the dog to the vet and "registered it" - their words not mine. What are my options?

answered on Oct 25, 2023
"Registering" a dog means nothing. I could probably register your dog too.
Dogs are considered property. If you purchased the dog and you weren't married then she has to give it back. If she does not you can either 1) file a police report for theft or 2) sue her for replevin... View More
My policy w/MetLife started the day I brought my Rottweiler home at 8 wks.Comprehensive Wellness & Accident & Illness.No heart murmur was heard at the 6wk check w/her breeder.I took her to her first wellness visit A heart murmur was noted but no real concern as murmurs are very common in... View More

answered on Oct 25, 2023
You may have a claim for bad-faith insurance coverage against met-life for refusing coverage. This can result in hefty punitive damages and attorney fees for refusing to reasonably provide insurance coverage.
They have apologized but I want to keep this from every happening to any other pet or pet family. He was pure love and joy and our family is DEVASTATED. There was negligence and carelessness throughout and multiple times to catch it that were missed by trusted animal medical facility doctors and... View More

answered on Sep 26, 2023
While your family was devastated by the loss of a pet, and you probably consider your pet to be part of the family. In Ohio, a pet is merely personal property and there is no emotional or other non-economical damages that can be recovered, absent circumstances that your post does not mention.
June 2023 an airline denied flight access to my sons legitimate medical alert service dog, even though I filled out all of the correct forms. They even saw my son and saw me performing medical care to him while waiting, and still chose to make the executive decision to deny access for his service... View More

answered on Jun 21, 2023
Maybe. There are three considerations.
The dog must be an actual trained service animal. The dog must pass the “public access test” and show it will remain focused on your son and his needs even in a crowded and busy airport. The dog must fit on your son’s lap or in his seat’s... View More
Our dog is hyper, overly playful and everyone loves our dog. Just about 7 days ago, our dog wandered just 3 houses over. The guy came out with a handgun, directly aimed at the dog… in front of my kid and her friend - a few yards away.
My kid coaxed our dog away from them - traumatized... View More

answered on Nov 4, 2022
First, you should report the incident to the police. It's not clear where your dog was vis-a-vis this nut's property at the time he was shot. But unless the dog was attacking or about to attack a person, you can't just shoot them.
We do sign the HOA contract, it does allow for service pets, so if I have a mastiff (way over the allowed size) (I am in Ohio btw) and I register it as a service dog or emotional support dog, can the HOA take legal action or demand that I show legal proof of my pets training and certification

answered on Aug 11, 2022
The HOA can require confirmation of the status of the animal, and the HOA might be able to have the animal removed if the HOA went to court and the court determines that the size restriction is reasonable, even for a service animal.
Sent to court and had hearing and a 600 bind was set for the care of him and again my boyfriend is the owner of this dog but he is my ESA dog

answered on May 15, 2022
You are being told that you cannot adopt the dog because your boyfriend still owns the dog unless he fails to pay that $600 cost of care
bond the court just set. If he fails maintain ownership during the case by missing any payments, typically he forfeits his ownership which then goes to... View More
In 2019 we got a dog. Then she became everyone’s since I worked. He would always say it’s his dog but no legal papers saying he has ownership. Recently he moved. And I registered her under my name and now he is threatening to sue me. And he didn’t care about her for over a month since he’s... View More

answered on Apr 27, 2022
A dog is considered personal property. If he sues you to get the dog, the court will determine who is the rightful owner based on all the evidence and testimony. You can use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local attorney if he sues you. Until then, you don't have to respond to him.
Probation release October 2021
Prison release November 2018
Charge is child endangerment related to child abuse.
What release date is used to start the 3 year count in order to own a dog?

answered on Dec 18, 2021
You learn something new every day. The three years starts running the day of your release, if you were incarcerated. Note that the chipping requirement has no end date. You’ll have to microchip any unspayed/neutered dog over 12 weeks old, or any dangerous dog as defined in Chapter 955. Also note,... View More

answered on Dec 18, 2021
Possibly. More facts are needed but it certainly a risk if she is restricted not just from owning but from cohabitating as well.
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