If given a dog, is it really yours?

Question

A family member had given me a dog almost a year ago. The dog was given to her by a neighbor that was moving and couldn't have pets in the new building. So, the dog was given to me since my family member already had dogs and I didn't have any pets. A few months after the dog was given to me, she offered to take him to the vet for me to get his shots. While there, she secretly had the dog registered in her name. She was family so I thought nothing of it at first but now she has had the dog kidnapped from me right out of my own back yard because we had an argument. She is not saying that I cannot have the dog back (that I've had for almost one year) and that there's nothing I can do since she's registered as the legal owner. Is there nothing at all that I can do to get my dog back? It's needless to say that I'm never going to talk or meet with this person again after what she has done, but how can I get my dog back? Please help. Thanks!

I mean "She is NOW saying", not "She is not saying".

Sorry for the mistake.

Answer 1

the only thing you can do is go to small claims court with any vet bills from the past year and witness's that you have been careing for the dog.

Answer 2

If you mean she took the dog to the vet and had it listed under her name, then the question is have you taken the dog to the vet for anything?

Paying for a dog at the vet is not registering it, its just paying the bills although most people would agree that only an owner would take the dog to the vet and pay the bills for it.

If you have proof you paid vet bills that would help establish the dog is yours.

Was the dog licensed in the town you live in? A dog license would seem to prove ownership.

If she is the only one who has taken the dog to the vet and you did not license the dog then you have no proof the dog is yours or even lived with you---that makes it hard to prove the dog is yours.

Sorry, but unless you have lots of photos of the dog and eyewitnesses that she gave you the dog, there isn't much you can do about it.

Answer 3

Once she gave you the dog to keep not to babysit or temporarily watch the dog is yours...so what can you do , you can file a police report although they will tell you it is civil.....insist they make a report .......tell them you wish to make a report that she burglarized your home and stole your property that is criminal not civil..she had no permission to come on your properly and no permission to take (steal from you) the dog..... .....next hopefully in a year you have pictures with ....spot.........and perhaps you bought his food at a pet store where they now you or a supermarket where they know you .maybe they will give you a notarized letter....some proof they you were buying the food for a year ....maybe receipts for his supplies, food, leash ,food bowl etc...perhaps when the police show up at her door she will give back the dog...............if the police tactic doesn't work try going to small claims court it will cost about 10 dollars ...find out the laws of dog possession in your state..some states let you sue for three times the dogs value....and last if all else fails..keep an eye or her backyard..good luck..just a PS ..If you do call her tape it on the phone..it is legal since you are both parties of the converstaion..

Answer 4

I am not understanding about this registered in her name at the vets. You can't register a dog at a vet office.

If you have had that dog for a year then the dog is yours. You should have reported her the same day she took the dog, You can go to court to get your dog back. That is about the only thing you can do.

Answer 5

Interesting.
A gift given with strings or your case a leash attached.

The operative word here is "given" the dog is YOURS.
The only advice I can give you is to consult with a friend or acquaintance that is familiar with the law. I'd say "lawyer" but at this point all you really need to know is if you have enough proof of ownership. If you can get a start with free advice all the better. :-)
Gather plenty of witnesses who can corroborate that you have had the dog for a year. If and when you feel you have enough evidence you may be able to file a complaint.

ADDITIONAL:
I just remembered a site that has free legal advice. I used them when I had a beef with a former boss. If you use them, tell them you're location. Remember, any advice needs to be taken with a grain of salt (or an entire salt-lick).

Good Luck!
.

Answer 6

Wow-i am really sorry-that is really mean.....I would contact local SPCA's and VETS to see your legal options-explain what happened,how she ILLEGALLY registered the dog-without the owners permission-and then kidnapped it!You owned her for a year-do you have any proof?And was he in good health there at your house?You could possibly take her to court-but i would contact the SPCA first!Good luck-i hope this helps and you get your doggy back :)

Answer 7

in the state of pa, the only proof of ownership for a dog is a county dog liscence, if that is what she did to register it then you are SOL, i would give this one up and then if she gives the dog back take it to your vet, have it microchipped, then go to the courthouse and get a lifetime liscence in your name, that will clear up any future problems

Answer 8

Unfortunately no - If she has the dog it is now her dog. The situation sucks but the only option you may have is reconciliation. Get the dog back, register the dog and notify the police if she trespasses on your property again.

Good Luck

Answer 9

If someone have given you a pet , is yours to keep , but if a box or something like that also if someone says take care of the pet , is NOT yours

Answer 10

To me, it sounds like that she just wanted you to watch her dog until she could get her own place for it. I do not think that you have any legal recourse. I would charge boarding fees though, you are at least due that.