Question
So I'm going to buy a cat from a friend/roommate/coworker and I trust her and all, but people can turn around and stab your back in an instant. How do I make sure the cat is legally mine to make sure nothing bad happens a year down the line?
Answer
When ownership of an animal is transferred, ideally there would be a written agreement which is dated and signed by the parties and states that one named party is the sole owner of the animal and is transferring all ownership rights to the animal to the other named party. A description of the animal and payment information should be included. Microchip registration should be changed at the same time. Microchip companies will not usually change a registration without the registrant’s consent making it very important to make the registry change at the time that ownership is transferred. Veterinary and other ownership records should also be changed to reflect the change in ownership. It would be helpful to get copies of veterinary records too. Good luck with your new cat!
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