Question

I adopted a dog from a shelter and they stated, and even gave me paper stating, she was spayed. Six months now she has gone into heat. I called them and they said I must bring her down there (2 hours away) if I wanted her to be spayed. I feel that is not a way I want to go, especially to bring her back where it terrified her. I asked them to give money towards the spaying and they said no. Is there anything legally I can do? Is it right that they gave me a paper saying spayed dog and she's not?

Answer

It was likely an honest mistake. Sometimes adoption agreements contain provisions regarding spaying/neutering (although these days many shelters spay/neuter prior to releasing animals for adoption). Generally if an adopter chooses not to avail himself/herself of the free or low-cost spay/neuter services that the shelter/rescue offers, the adopter is responsible for paying for the spaying/neutering. People who believe they are owed money can sue. I hope your dog is doing well.

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