Hospitalized while boarding animals considered cruelty

Question

I boarded my 4 cats while moving for 4 days and ended up critically ill in the hospital during the time period. I was hospitalized 3 weeks and much of the time my family wasn’t even aware of what happened or where I was. As I was allowed to make calls I realized I had left my cats boarded during the time I was in the hospital. Once released I called the vet where they were boarded at to inform them of what had happened and was told that the cats were no longer mine and I had committed animal cruelty. I’d have to fight that charge to get them back. They’re all still at the boarding facility but I have little hope I can still have them. Does the vet that’s boarding them have a right to not allow me to reclaim my fur babies? Thank you for your response.

Answer

If the animals are being held based on alleged cruelty (that may depend on the condition they were in when left for boarding), rights may be dependent on the outcome of the criminal case if there is one) . Alternatively, it is possible the veterinarian deems the animals to be abandoned. There is a California law which states, in part: “…whenever an animal is delivered to a veterinarian, dog kennel, cat kennel, pet-grooming parlor, animal hospital, or any other animal care facility pursuant to a written or oral agreement …, and the owner of the animal does not pick up the animal within 14 calendar days after the day the animal was initially due to be picked up, the animal shall be deemed to be abandoned… There shall be a notice posted in a conspicuous place, or in conspicuous type in a written receipt given, to warn a person depositing an animal at an animal care facility of the provisions of this section.” I suggest you consult immediately with an attorney in your state regarding possible next steps.