Question
A friend of mine adopted a dog from the shelter, she found out she is not allowed to keep the dog where she lives. I told her I would foster the dog because I do not want it going back to the shelter. I don’t know what I’m legally supposed to do next, do I try to get the dog put in my name or wait for when she has a permanent home?
Answer
Your rights are dependent on the agreement between you and your friend. People who agree to foster animals for a friend don’t “own” the animal (and simply getting a dog license does not change the facts). Alternatively, people who are given an animal as a gift typically gain “ownership” of that animal (for example, a friend no longer wants to keep her animal and gives the animal away). Ideally, agreements stating the rights and responsibilities of the parties would be in writing so consider discussing this with your friend. Also, some shelter adoption agreements contain provisions for when an adopter no longer wishes to keep an adopted animal. Good luck!
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.