While my brother in law is in prison, I have cared for his dogs and my children are very attached to them and they are very attached to us. He may decide to take them back because of their health. What can I do?

Question

My brother in law went to prison for 5 years he is still in prison he asked if we (my husband “his brother” and I could take the dogs in we said yes easily as dog lovers. We had the dogs over a year nearly two. One of the two dogs has a tumor and I can’t afford surgery. Now he wants to take the dogs and send them to his aunt so she can get medical care and keep the dogs. I’ve invested a lot of money in these dogs and I don’t want to give them up. By law am I obligated to give them up. His name is still on their microchips. But I’ve been feeding and housing them for the past year and half me and my children are very attached to them and they are very attached to us. What can I do?

Answer

You indicated that the dog needs medical care and that you are unable to provide this essential care for the dog. While good intentions are important, so is medical care. People who fail to provide necessary care for the animals in their custody may be charged with neglect, depending on the facts and circumstances. People who agree to pet-sit don’t usually gain ownership of the animal they agree to watch, unless the animal’s “parent” gifts or sells the animal to the pet-sitter. I hope that you, your brother-in-law, and his aunt can work out a custody/visitation arrangement that is in the best interests of the dogs and that the dogs get the care they need (including veterinary care).