Question
A Pet Adoption agency is trying to force us to spay our 8 year old dog that we own before they will process our application to adopt another dog. How can they force this on us? We feel this could be a risk to our present dog and they said their policy is not about birth control. It is about their own agenda that they are trying to force on other people & pets that are already in good homes. It seems their PERSONAL agenda comes before giving the rescue pet a good home.
Answer
Animal shelters and rescue organizations have discretion on the placement of their animals. Spaying and neutering help to control the overpopulation of dogs, cats, and other animals. Perhaps a letter from a veterinarian who has examined your dog certifying that spaying would endanger the health of your dog will help to convince the pet adoption agency to reconsider your adoption application. Consider, however, that your veterinarian may not agree with your assessment that spaying would be a risk to your dog.
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.