Anyone know a vet that could write a letter of breed origin on my behalf to my apts. I'm facing an eviction.

Question

When I got my puppy at 2 wks old I was told she was shar pei/black lab. A leasing agent at my apts. saw my dog and says she has pitt characteristics and threatens to evict if I don't "get rid" of my dog or get a letter from a Vet stating that in their opinion she's not pitt. Well, I haven't found a very helpful Vet so far which is surprising since there's really no risk to them for writing a letter about breed origin. Meaning mix breed determination is inconclusive (there is no scientific method, blood test, etc.) that can prove a dog is of a certain breed. So why won't anyone help me? I have researched "breed specific" ordinances and legislation, and I know that I would have an almost air-tight case if they evicted me and it went to trial. But I don't want it to go that far. I want to get the letter from a vet, keep my dog with me, and not get evicted, and I'm desperate to do that. Queen is a sweet 2 1/2 year old dog who loves me, loves children and I don't want to lose her.

Answer 1

being a landlord and having to evict someone for having a breed restriction that was prohibited... let me give some helpful tips... first if you are having a hard time finding a vet that will write the letter in terms of liability reasons, any vet that has seen your dog will have put down what breed the dog is in their records. Getting a letter is not hard and shouldn't be a thing to worry about unless they feel your dog has pit characteristics. I know it sucks that they are doing this but i work for a large company and if we end up having these restricted dogs, our insurance companies will not insure the property for all the things that a property must be insured for. As far as ordinances and laws... most the breed restrictions we have, have nothing to do with the law... it has to do with rules that we have set at our property and everyone knows about at time of move in or application time (when we are made aware they have a dog). I know what you are going through, and i love dogs... but they have every right to require and ask for a letter from a vet.

Answer 2

You can't really tell what breed a mix is, you're right, but I doubt the agent will like this answer.

First, get out the lease. Highlight anywhere that says anything about breed restrictions, including "and the landlord can basically change his/her mind..."

Second, go back to the place where you got your puppy. Explain your situation and get ANY and all information you can about the puppy's history, parents, etc. Were you told on paper or via email that the dog's a lab/shar pei mix? You'll want that too.

Third, get a vet that you've worked with for a while to write a letter saying you can't tell for sure what breed a dog is without papers, and testify to your dog's temperament. Get as many letters of recommendation for your dog - from trainers, friends - that you can. If your dog has been through obedience classes, gather up all documentation of that.

(That being said, what a stupid thing to say! What kind of "pit characteristics" are we talking about? Teeth?)

Finally, find a place where you and Queen can live peaceably without interference from these people who think they can judge a book by its cover. It's a sad world we live in when insurance companies hold out on landlords for things like this, but being prepared shouldn't hurt you.

Best of luck to you and Queen!

Answer 3

First, there is risk to the vet in writing your letter. If the dog bites someone later, the vet could be sued if it is determined the dog is part pit bull. "Determined" as in this ends up in court and a judge/jury decides she looks like a pit.

You might try talking to the local shelters. They are frequently faced with trying to guess a dog's breed. Just be aware, what the shelter people determine is only as good as the knowledge base.

Answer 4

Can you contact the person you got the puppy from? I know it was a long time ago but maybe you can find them and get a letter from them.

A vet is not going to put his butt on the line if he doesn't know for sure what breed/s your dog is. And it could come back on them if your dog bites someone and they sue you. That vet could get dragged into it.

I'd try the person you got the dog from.

Answer 5

there is a lot of risk for a vet to write that letter if something goes wrong and your dog bites someone. Keep calling the yellow pages. What about your family vet. He/She would have a personal relationship with you and know your dog well. If you do not have a family vet you probably shouldnt have the dog

Answer 6

they is so sad. People cannot just tell you to get rid of your dog because he may be Pit. Whats wrong with being pit? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Maybe tell your vet about this. Vets aren't prejudice about certain dog breeds and will devastated to hear someone is making you get rid of your puppy if it has Pit. That is just....wrong. Talk with all the vets in your area, one of them will have a solution.

Good luck and I hope you get to keep him even if he is Pit.

Answer 7

I am sorry to say that you will not find a vet that will write you a letter . The reason being is he is not going to put himself in a sittuation to be sued . He cannot in all good conscience say your dog is something it might not be . there fore he would put himself in a sittuation to be sued . I think maybe you should be looking for another place to live . good luck .

Answer 8

did your lease say you were allowed to keep animals.....nothing to do with the breed so forget about that...
that means nothing.....

Answer 9

if they say go they mean go.

Answer 10

that is so sad :( i think you should smack that agent in the nose and look in the yellow pages for vets
good luck!!!! :( :( :(:(:(:(