Question

My boyfriend's ex was watching his dog. A disagreement broke out about the dog, and she has rehomed the dog and won't tell us where it is. This dog was supposed to come to the Yukon and is currently in Ontario. We asked many times for the dog back, and she informed us it's gone. What can we do? Do we have legal rights in this matter?

Answer

It is difficult to predict how a court will decide a pet custody case as they are considered on a case by case basis. People who agree to pet-sit do not typically gain ownership rights to the animals they agreed to temporarily foster. However, verbal agreements without corroborating evidence can be difficult to enforce since disputing parties often recount different versions of their agreement. For example, the ex in the situation you describe may say that the dog was gifted to her and so she had the right to rehome her dog. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue to try to get the animal returned. These cases get much more complicated after an animal is rehomed.

PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.

Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!

Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.

Ask a Legal Question