Can I keep foster puppy since I rescued it, and Rescue Group has not paid for care?

Question

If I rescued a puppy and connected with a rescue who I became a foster for the pup I rescued says they dont qualify me to adopt, and I signed a foster contract with, can I get in trouble if I decide to keep the pup since technically I'm the one who rescued it and they havent paid for any medical care or vaccinations?

Answer

Rights and responsibilities are generally contained in a foster agreement. A rescue that believes an animal is being wrongfully withheld may commence a civil lawsuit (replevin action) and may contact the police (although the police tend not to get involved in these matters). Since a foster agreement, unlike an adoption agreement, implies a temporary arrangement, rescues generally retain ownership while the animal is being fostered. The rescue, as the animal’s owner, also typically retains the right to approve or disapprove of potential adopters (although some foster agreements give foster “parents” first right to adopt under certain circumstances). However, if the rescue violated the foster agreement (for example, the rescue did not pay for veterinary care but the foster agreement required the rescue to pay), a court could determine that the rescue no longer has rights to the animal. I hope this all works out well for this puppy.