Question

The dog was left with me while the owner went out of town for 2.5 weeks. It's been 7 weeks now, and she wants to come get her. The dog's nails were neglected, and no shots were given, that I know of. I have given my landlord a deposit, had her bathed, ears, and nails done, and had her vaccinations done. Do I have to give her back? She's a lawyer and leaves her sometimes for 12-14 hours. Please help, this baby is my life now, and my whole apartment unit loves her.

Answer

People who agree to pet-sit do not usually gain ownership of the animal they agree to watch, unless the animal’s “parent” gifts or sells the animal to the pet-sitter or a court decides that an animal should be deemed abandoned. People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld may commence a civil lawsuit to try to get the animal returned and/or for money and may contact the police to allege theft, although the police do not usually intervene in pet custody disputes.

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