Question
My friend passed while her daughter was in jail. Her dog was given to me by police, now a month later the daughter wants the dog. I have licensed her into my name already and microchip. Do I need to return the dog? Her mother didn’t want her to have the dog, but I have nothing in writing but witness to the conversation.
Florida, USA
Answer
Next of kin will typically have rights to a decedent’s animal unless there was a will or trust agreement providing otherwise or the decedent sold or gave his/her animal away before the decedent’s death. However, a person who cared for a decedent’s animal after the decedent’s death may have a claim against the estate for boarding fees.
I can’t say for sure how a court will decide this case if it is litigated (e.g., daughter sues to get the dog) or if the police would get involved. I do hope that you and the decedent’s daughter can agree on what is best for the dog. Sometimes offering to purchase an animal helps to resolve these conflicts. The agreement should be in writing.
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The post Dog passed on to me by friend wanted by next of kin. appeared first on Animal League.
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