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Pennsylvania Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
Q: Bitten by a dog while delivering pizzas, what steps to take?
I was bitten by a dog while delivering pizzas tonight on the owner's property, where I had permission to be. There were no signs warning about the dog, and I have already reported the incident to my employer but not to the police. I have not spoken to the dog owner yet. What steps should I... View More 
Matthew Rosenberg
answered on Jul 11, 2025
answered on Jul 11, 2025
First, see a doctor if you haven’t. Dog bites can be infected quickly, and the medical notes will document the injury. Report the incident to local animal control or the police as soon as possible. Pennsylvania requires dog bites to be recorded so that vaccination status can be confirmed and a... View More
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Q: Kicked out of zoo due to service dog protecting from leopard. Seeking legal advice on ADA/civil rights.
I am a disabled veteran with a handicap placard and have been a member of the Philadelphia Zoo for at least two years. I have a registered service dog with a current rabies vaccine and have taken him to the zoo with my daughters on at least four other occasions without incident. However, on a... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2025
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answered on Oct 31, 2025
Your experience at the Philadelphia Zoo raises serious concerns under the **Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)**, which protects your right to be accompanied by a trained service animal in public accommodations. Under **Title III of the ADA**, the zoo, as a public facility, cannot exclude or... View More
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Q: Should I pay ESA-related pet fees after filing complaints?
I have ESA papers for my dog, and my lease states that I do not owe a pet deposit or any monthly pet fees. Now, two months into my lease, I am being charged these fees without written notification. I contacted my landlord, and they stated that these charges are due to their third-party service... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2025
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answered on Oct 29, 2025
If your lease clearly states that you do not owe any pet fees or deposits for your emotional support animal (ESA), you are generally not required to pay those fees, even if your landlord’s third-party service disputes your paperwork. Under the **Fair Housing Act**, landlords cannot charge... View More
Q: Does paying a medical bill imply culpability for my dog's alleged bite in PA?
I am seeking legal guidance regarding an incident at a local park in Pennsylvania where my dog was provoked by another dog and chased it. Although I did not see my dog bite the other dog, the owner claims that my dog did and has sent me a $1400 medical bill after visiting the med center. She also... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025
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answered on Oct 22, 2025
No—paying a medical or veterinary bill does not, by itself, establish liability; in Pennsylvania, offers or payments of medical expenses are generally inadmissible to prove fault. If you choose to resolve any part of this, do it through your homeowners or renters insurer or in a written... View More
Q: How to approach product liability for toxic chemicals causing pet poisoning?
I am in Pennsylvania and purchased a product that claimed to be safe for families and pets. However, I found out it contains toxic chemicals, specifically d-Limonene, which can be harmful if absorbed, inhaled, or ingested. My pet showed signs of poisoning, which were confirmed through blood work by... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2025
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answered on Oct 21, 2025
You may pursue a Pennsylvania products‑liability claim grounded in failure to warn, design defect, and negligent misrepresentation where a product marketed as “safe for families and pets” contains a toxic solvent such as d‑Limonene and your veterinarian has documented injury. Preserve the... View More
Q: Landlord not paying electric, huge bill, want to leave. What are my options?
I have lived at my current residence for 6 years under a verbal agreement to pay $500 monthly in rent. Recently, I discovered my landlord hasn't paid the electric bill, which is now $17,000, and utilities have been turned off. My landlord uses a medical exemption to get them turned back on.... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 18, 2025
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answered on Sep 18, 2025
You have lived in your home for years under a simple verbal agreement, so your rights are still protected by Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law. Your landlord is responsible for keeping the property habitable, which includes making sure utilities like electricity are properly maintained. Forcing you... View More
Q: Liability concerns after dog enters neighbor's property and alleged fall, seeking evidence for defense.
I am concerned about my liability after my dog briefly entered my neighbor's property, after which my neighbor claims to have fallen. The incident was not caused directly by the dog, who had already left when they fell. My neighbor might be exaggerating, especially considering previous issues... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
You’re right to focus on gathering evidence now that an attorney has contacted you. In Pennsylvania, liability for injuries related to dogs generally depends on whether the dog’s actions directly caused harm or whether you, as the owner, were negligent in controlling the animal. If your dog had... View More
Q: Am I liable if my dog briefly entered my neighbor's property and they claim to have fallen, possibly exaggerating the situation?
I'm concerned about my liability after my dog briefly entered my neighbor's property, after which my neighbor claims to have fallen. The incident was not directly caused by the dog, who was gone when they fell. However, they may be exaggerating the situation. There were no barriers... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
Your liability in this situation depends on whether your dog’s actions directly caused your neighbor’s fall. If the dog had already left the area and did not make physical contact, startle, or chase the neighbor, it becomes much harder to prove that you were the cause of the injury. A mere... View More
Q: Liability concerns after dog briefly entered neighbor's property; claim of fall.
I'm concerned about my liability after my dog briefly entered my neighbor's property, after which my neighbor claims to have fallen. The incident was not directly caused by the dog, who was gone when they fell. There were no barriers preventing my dog's access, and there is a history... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
Your liability depends on whether your dog directly caused the fall or created a hazardous condition that led to it. If the dog was no longer present when the fall occurred, and there was no physical contact or immediate provocation, then proving your legal responsibility becomes much harder for... View More
Q: Can I get a court order to remove a dog that has bitten me from my house?
I own a house in my name, and my wife's dog has bitten me four times. I have documented the incidents and reported them to local authorities, but my wife refuses to remove the dog. We have attempted to resolve this issue without success. Can I obtain a court order to remove the dog from my house?
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025
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answered on Jul 4, 2025
You can petition your county court for a civil protection order or an injunction to remove the dog from your home, since repeated bites create a demonstrated threat to your safety.
First, file a petition under your state’s dangerous dog or civil protection statutes, detailing each bite... View More
Q: Can I request to see a contract alleged in a dog ownership dispute?
I have been caring for a dog for several years. Recently, I was informed that there is a breach of contract between the former owner and the breeder. Despite this, I am being asked to return the dog to the original owner. Can I legally request to see the contract that is being mentioned as proof of... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025
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answered on May 14, 2025
You're absolutely within your rights to ask to see the contract that is being used as the basis for demanding the dog's return. If someone is claiming that a legal agreement exists which affects your ability to keep the dog, you have a fair interest in reviewing that document—especially... View More
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Q: Can I sue for IIED due to my neighbor's harassment?
Can I sue my neighbor for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) due to persistent harassment? My neighbors have repeatedly called the police on me without proof while I was recording my property from inside my home for my safety. Despite showing police video evidence of their... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025
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answered on May 14, 2025
Yes, you may have grounds to sue for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED), especially if the harassment has been ongoing, deliberate, and extreme enough to cause serious emotional harm. To succeed in this kind of claim, you typically need to show that your neighbor’s behavior was... View More
Q: Can I legally keep a dog given to me by a homeless woman?
I've been taking care of a dog given to me by a homeless woman for the past month. She gave me the dog with the understanding that I'd keep him until she found a place. There was no written or verbal agreement beyond this, and the dog has significantly improved in health and happiness... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 14, 2025
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answered on Apr 14, 2025
It sounds like you’ve developed a strong bond with the dog and have been providing a loving home. Legally, ownership of a pet can be a tricky issue if there was no formal written agreement at the time the dog was given to you. Since the homeless woman gave you the dog with the understanding that... View More
Q: Can I lose my dog privileges at my aprt for walking my neighbors naughty dog that has a bite history? If he bites again?
I have two esa (dogs) at my aprt complex. I’ve never had a problem with them. I also walk my neighbors dog, I’ll call him “Wally”. Wally is legally on her lease. The problem is, Wally has nipped at an apartment employee before, with a different walker. The incident was reported and is now... View More
Nellie T Schulz
answered on Jan 22, 2022
answered on Jan 22, 2022
It’s not possible to answer your question definitively without knowing what the pet provisions say in your lease. I suppose it’s possible that it could provide that a tenant who acts negligently when walkia dog” could be bYour arguments are logical and sound, but that doesn’t mean your... View More
Q: I accidentally hit a dog tonight. A police officer happened to be behind me and he stopped to help. Can I get in trouble
I can’t tell my family because I’m so scared. I don’t want to get on legal trouble or have the family sue me even though it was an accident. Can the cop show up at my house?
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jan 13, 2022
answered on Jan 13, 2022
If the dog was on the roadway you will be OK. It's the owner's responsibility to care for their dog. If your car was damaged you can make a claim against the owner of the dog.
Q: my mother let my dog loose and is being charged with animal cruelty but the cops will not give my dog back
He is microchipped and when he was found i wasnt contacted they tried to take the dog home and my mother refused to let it on the property. So the cops took my dog and now refuse to tell me where he is will not give him back or anything i was not part of the animal cruelty as i had no idea he was... View More
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 20, 2021
answered on Aug 20, 2021
Contact the animal rescue league or any similar group in your county and see if they can intervene or help. Not sure why the police won't tell you where the dog is. Try the DA's office Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Q: Need help with a dog that I adopted about 5 weeks ago
I adopted a dog about 5 weeks ago from ACCT Philly. I was told he was 4 years old. I took him to the vet and the vet told me he is a senior dog (at least 8-10 years old). The shelter told his health is remarkable besides some abnormalities in his blood work from malnutrition. This has since been... View More
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 1, 2021
answered on Jul 1, 2021
Tell the shelter you want to return the dog, it was grossly different from what you were told was likely to be the case. But I don't see you being able to keep the dog and charge them the bills.
Q: Can my landlord kick me out for having a dog if the dog is for work?
I was recently offered a job opportunity to be a K9 handler for airport security. I would be provided with paid training, as well as a trained dog that I would have to have live with me. My landlord has our pet limit to one dog and one cat, which we already have. If I take the job, does the fact... View More
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 1, 2021
answered on Jul 1, 2021
First off, service animals have to be certified. Short answer is no. One dog means one dog. Look for a new place or see if someone will take your dog.
Q: dog got hit and killed
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 17, 2021
answered on Jun 17, 2021
I am sorry to hear that. However I don't see any facts or a question.
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