What constitutes dog ownership?

Originally Posted by Unregistered Basically the answer is, it is complicated. There are many things to consider. Pets tend to end up with the primary care giver if it is taken to court. Primary care is NOT who feeds, plays with, and buys things for the animal. It includes the following: Who paid for the pet? Who paid for any vet bills? Who paid for for any licenses needed? If the pet is not up to date on vaccinations or is not licensed where law requires it, the pet may not end up with either party. Vet bills and licenses will most likely end up being more important. In addition to that if there is a written or oral agreement about pet ownership, these hold out in court and are considered. Finally I would like to add that shelter pets and breeder pets are both good to adopt from. Before adopting you should find out about any prior care given, including vaccinations. It is possible breeders are not vaccinating and shelters are not vaccinating. Don't assume anything about prior care, ask for the paperwork when you adopt and buy a pet. As long as the pet was in the care of the shelter or with breeder they should have it. If it is not available... beware.

This about sums it up---good answer.

Then if it still goes to court you have to convince a judge you are really the one that cares for and owns the dog based on any and all evidence you have--and don't forget any witnesses that might be able to testify!

I think dog ownership is a serious commitment that consists of vital duties. Before you decide to get a dog, you must pledge to be responsible.

I have had a dog for 8 months that I got from a man who had the dog for approximately 30 days. The dog had no tags and showed up at his house. He attempted to locate owner, but didn't notify the local shelter. The dog was not housebroken so he decided not to keep it and offered the dog to us. We took it to the vet, spayed, shots, heartworm preventative, microchipped, etc. Have appropriate license and tag. I now have to go to small claims court because someone is claiming it is their dog. What will this person need to have to prove it is their dog and not mine? What do I need to take to court with me? Help!

You can show all your records etc. and they may have to pay you for those costs since they allowed the dog to become lost but if it is their dog the court may very well order you to give it back.

You may have to argue they effectively lost all ownership when they allowed him to become lost and abandoned.

I have a real similar question.
My fiance and I took over caring for a dog after our neighbor was arrested. When we took her in (about 2 weeks ago) she was dirty, smelly, flea infested and under weight (you could see ribs). Sine she has been with us, she has put on some weight and has become very playful and loving and just seems to be happy. I should also mention that this is the 2nd time she has been brought over in this condition.
We do know that the neighbor is going to be in jail for at least another 2 weeks if not more. Does anyone know if there is any legal way we can keep her. I have talked to our local Animal Control and they didn't know. My heart breaks at the thought of having to eventually send her back to a neglectful situation.

Can homeless individuals legally own pets?
I thought it was animal cruelty to not provide shelter (home) to pets.
thanks

It is not illegal. But the officers can intervene if the animal is not being fed etc.

I rescued a dog and owned her for appox. 12 mths until I became ill and I had gotten a puppy that she had fights with. A doctor told me i was allergic to the dog and my sister and my dad could not mind her and so I agreed that the dog could go to one of my sister's friends. We had a verbal agreement that I could still run with the dog whenever i wanted, that she would not breed her, and that she would be the only dog in the house. Also that if she had trouble with keeping her, she would let me know straight away, incase my situation had changed. On the day she was to meet me, before I got home, my sister's friend had been to the house and picked the dog up. I did not get to say good bye or reconsider my decision. I found out that I wasn't allergic to the dog afterall, but I saw that this girl loved the dog also, so I let it be knowing that she had a good home. I felt uncomfortable approaching this girl's house as I had never been welcomed there except in the initial agreement. I see the dog often at my sister's and miss her alot. I went to my sister's the other day to find out that the girl, who since our agreement, had also gotten a puppy and was having trouble with the dog as I had. I found out my sister was minding my ex-dog indefinately until a home is found for the girl's pup. I was hurt that they had not said anything to me and i went to this girl's house to ask her to consider giving the dog back. She said she would consider it but I went to my sister's yesterday and I although my ex-dog came straight to me, as always, it was obvious that the girl has no intention of honoring our original agreement and my sister is supporting her as she is her friend.


the dog is not in either of our names as I never transferred papers from the original owner. I have paid bills for the dog and I am sure that this girl has also. I understand that she also has rights to the dog now, but i am disappointed with the way that my sister and her friend have behaved as i feel betrayed and taken advantage of. Also, the dog has never forgotten me but they do not care about this at all. lesson learned: get it in writing.

Actually, I just found out that the dog is legally mine. I am however, going to attempt to resolve the problem as nicely as possible.

dam !!!!!!!!! get your dog back