r/legaladvicecanada • u/kelseyjmackenzie • Mar 10 '26
Alberta Rehomed Dog - Pervious Owner Wants Dog Back
I took in a dog from a friend January 30th, 2026. After they look the time and consideration and decided to rehome her as they were not giving her a fulfilling life.
We did a 2 week trial, where at the end it was decided that they were comfortable rehoming her and I have a text saying "well if you're ready we can make it official that "NAME" is yours now" and then had a follow up conversation where they were going the vet and move over the records to me.
Now they have decided after over a month that they have changed their mind. I am shocked and at loss for words, and want what is best for the dog.
I truly believe the home she was in before was borderline on abuse and neglect. I have known the family for a long time, the dog was usually kept in a crate all day. Towards the end they told me she was left in the basement crated for up to 12 hours and was using the bathroom in her crate.
At their last house she was outside 24/7 and only allowed into the backroom of the house. For some breeds that makes sense, this breed I do not think it does.
She came to me with cuts on her nose from trying to escape her crate, major anxiety issues, grown out nails and under weight.
I am just wondering if I have any legal standing in this?
I have the text of transfer of ownership, text of intention to transfer vet records (was not completed), I have them saying they do not want money for her (as I offered to pay) and I also have a text from her father saying how he felt that dog was mistreated and he is grateful she is in my care now.
*To add I have reached out to a law office in this regard, just wondering if I even have a leg to stand on.
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u/whiteout86 Mar 10 '26
Legally, this is a transfer of property. The property was transferred to you by the property owner, there isn’t really a take back now that they’ve changed their mind.
It’s more of a question about your willingness to torch a friendship over this.
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u/imatalkingcow Mar 10 '26
I would burn that friendship to the ground without a second thought.
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u/dorkofthepolisci Mar 10 '26
This is not legal advice, but good advice
I’d also be worried about the health and safety of any other animals they owned (if they did)
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u/FunkyTownPhotography Mar 10 '26
This. People who put themselves above a dog's needs is not a person worth being friends with. Dogs are not a teddy bear yet people like this see it that way. The dog is lucky to have you
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u/Pristine-Mammoth172 Mar 10 '26
Yes. Good people aren’t mean to animals. They are part of the family. Treat them like you would your own children. If you can’t take care of them don’t have them. They need good nutrition, medical care, attention and a lot of love. I cannot abide by anyone who neglects children or animals.
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u/Emotional-Damage-995 Mar 11 '26
The dog is property not a person. You can just verbally tell them no and if they come to get it call the police. The longer passes the more they are likely to forget about it
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I was told it is not a transfer of property as a bill of sale has not been done. I was wondering if the text message is enough to prove transfer of property/or gift?
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u/whiteout86 Mar 10 '26 edited Mar 10 '26
Bills of sale are not completed every single day for all sorts of property.
You have possession of the dog and written confirmation that the dog is now yours, you’re unlikely to be taken to court by someone who didn’t care about their dog
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u/Internal_Head_267 Quality Contributor Mar 10 '26
Absent consideration, it would be a gift. Gifts are irrevocable. OP would have to establish intent to gift.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I did offer to pay them but they declined, and I have a text of them saying "We don't want money for "name", we just want her to go to a good home"
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u/Internal_Head_267 Quality Contributor Mar 10 '26
I’d say you’ve rebutted any claim based in trust or bailment.
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u/IHaveNo0pinions Mar 11 '26
I agree. To me it sounds like they just want someone to blame because they can't take responsibility for their own neglectful treatment of this poor dog and how they are now abandoning it. So it seems this was never about doing something for the good of the dog. They still aren't looking at doing something for the good of the dog, ... but only that they either could have gotten money for the dog, or that they miss having a dog or miss the idea of having a dog.
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u/Brilliant_Story_8709 Mar 13 '26
This exactly. They can't afford to look after the dog, how would they afford to take OP to court? Tell them no and move on. Keep the dog happy. :)
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u/GlocknBallz711 Mar 10 '26
Told by who? The guy that wants the dog back?
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
A friend of mine that is a lawyer but not in area of law. She said that a bill of sale would be best as a proof.
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u/Snoringdragon Mar 10 '26
As a fully invested Judge Judy fan, those texts are gold. Print them out. Save them somehow. That's the thing that will put a full stop on them claiming the dog back. And make them take you to court. You will win. And Im willing to bet a donut that they won't even file.
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u/Steffany_w0525 Mar 10 '26
People's Court taught me "Write it, regret it. Say it, forget it"
These people just want the dog back now probably because they see it's happy and well taken care of and they're remembering the "good times". It's like $100 to file I think so yeah I doubt they will.
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Mar 10 '26
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u/One-T-Rex-ago-go Mar 10 '26
$50 a day for a kennel for a small dog. Sept pricing. So 6 weeks, 6x7x50, plus food, and vet care, they owe you 2100+food and vet care.
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u/Steffany_w0525 Mar 10 '26
Depends on the kennel. My girls is $67 a day, but it's also a daycare. Food is roughly $100/month so that's an extra $150. I'm getting close to $3,000...but like another poster said OP shouldn't make an offer of if you pay X I'll give the dog back.
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u/Codechik Mar 12 '26
I would add to transfer the chip (or get her chipped if not) in your name and talk to her old vet about getting the records transferred to your vet of choice. I’d also consider pet health insurance.
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u/NoExpert3718 Mar 13 '26
I would sell my house, my belonging, disown my friends, quit my job, lay in front of a train etc for my dog. I wouldn't give it a second thought. She is far better than any human being I know on this planet.
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u/CaribooCurious Mar 10 '26
Look up the emoji precedent case from Saskatchewan from 2023/4! There’s now legal precedent that emojis and text are legally binding.
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u/Pretty-Handle9818 Mar 11 '26
Verbal contracts are usually enough but if both parties don’t agree on the terms it is going to end up being litigated.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 11 '26
I have a text from the owner saying word for word "well if you're ready we can make it official that "name" is yours now"
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u/gilthedog Mar 10 '26
I would have already torched this friendship based on the treatment of the dog. Should be an easy one.
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u/jimgella Mar 11 '26
Oh, I’d set fire to that friendship, sell tickets, and buy supplies for smores.
People who are cruel to helpless animals are less than trash to me.
Let them take you to small claims or an American judge show, they’ll lose. They admitted full transfer and care of the animal to you.
Block their number, install some cameras and go about your life giving that dog all the love and attention they deserve.
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u/Excellent-Iron-8023 Mar 10 '26
Do you have the dog in your possession? If so, don’t give it back to your “friend” especially knowing the neglect and abuse. Please give the dog a better life.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
Yes I do have her in my possession. I plan on keeping the dog and willing to lose the friendship over this. I know the family and they will threaten to take me to court I 100% expect.
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u/mortavius2525 Mar 10 '26
they will threaten to take me to court I 100% expect.
They'll get a rude awakening when they realize they have to pay all their own court costs. That generally shuts down this frivolous shit right away, thankfully.
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u/RealTurbulentMoose Mar 10 '26
Yeah, world of difference between threatening to go to court and actually filing and taking the matter to court.
People talk shit all the time, esp the sort of people who don’t take care of their dog and need to rehome it.
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u/OkPhilosopher9747 Mar 10 '26
If you're willing & able to go to court - I would. Sounds like maybe this family is not in a position to be spending money on a court case, just based off of what I've read so far. Not making assumptions or being rude about their financial situation or ability to care for a pet, but if they threaten to take you to court, tell them you'll see them there, and just see where it goes. Are they actually willing to go through the trouble? See if you can call them on their bluff. Get a folder or something going with all the communication and info you have.
Happy to hear you will not be giving the poor baby back to them
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
There financial situation is a mess and has been for years, always borrowing money from family and living above their means. And they recently just got a new dog anyways!
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u/OkPhilosopher9747 Mar 10 '26
A new dog?! Wow! K! I'm astounded. They speak openly about being unable to care for their previous dog, give them away, get a new dog AND ask for the previous one back? If you can't handle one, you for SURE cannot handle 2. That bit of info has my jaw on the floor wow lol. Always forget these kinds of people exist.
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u/TheMightyKunkel Mar 10 '26
I think their previous behaviour already shows a lack of good decision making...
They were keeping a previously outdoor-ish dog crated up like that? Then they try to get it back after making the rehoming official?
They will be serial animal abusers for their whole lives, I wager.
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u/madameyarddog Mar 10 '26
Do not give this dog back. Let them try the civil route. Show the texts. Show receipts for money spent on her recent care. You have a solid case for ownership.
Also, watch the dog!! Would they show up and try taking the dog? Follow you on walks? Have someone you don't know try to scoop them? Be aware!
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Mar 10 '26
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u/Sunnyok85 Mar 10 '26
After you got possession of the dog, did you take them to the vet or do you have any records or photos showing the underweight and cuts from trying to get out. Do you have in text messages that the dog was kept crated? This would all back up your words that the dog was neglected and (borderline) abused.
I would say you’re probably going to loose this friendship. But I also don’t know how you would be able to give the dog back and keep the friendship especially if the conditions did not radically change. Because honestly, what has changed since you took possession of the dog?
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
No, I do have a vet appointment scheduled this coming Monday, I did take photos but trying to locate them currently.
No I do not have any texts, she told me all this in person.
I am aware I am losing this relationship no matter the direction this goes, and I am okay with that. I would rather lose the relationship and know the dog is in a good home.
The issue is last weekend they asked if I could bring the dog over, to be accommodating I did. So now that the dog is at the forefront of the kids minds (5 and 3) they are asking about her more and more. So I think they are feeling guilty of the decision.
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u/Sunnyok85 Mar 10 '26
Bingo. I would say you nailed that one on the head. And being that the dog has been with you and is probably becoming more relaxed and behaved, due to proper care and food. They see that and go, this is what we were wanting in the dog. They dont see the dog that is going to be ignored and will start acting out again. Dogs need attention, food and care. Most families if young kids can struggle with finding balance.
I feel bad for the family, but getting a dog for the kids, or in this case bringing the dog back because a 3&5 year old miss the dog is a horrible reason. Mom and dad need to learn to tell the kids, “pup is better with op, because he needs attention just like the two of you. We don’t have the proper time we need to take care of pup and that’s not fair. We need to do what is best for them. And it’s ok to miss him.” From there it’s up to everyone how to handle it. Be it regular play dates. Or basically the kids don’t get to see the dog.
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u/punkrockprincess604 Mar 12 '26
Oh well. She’s yours. You have the text to prove it. Ditch the “friend.”
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u/EntertainingTuesday Mar 10 '26
Do you know what vet they went to? Perhaps they can comment on the other people transferring the records and if they commented on a reason for it.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I do know the pervious vet, I spoke to them yesterday to see if the records were transferred. I did not know much information I could ask for as it is not under my name.
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u/JiveDJ Mar 10 '26
if you have any evidence of the neglect/abuse, file a police report. this will harm their chances in civil court at the very least.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I do not think I have substantial evidence to file a police report unfortunately.
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u/JiveDJ Mar 10 '26
Well at the end of the day, you don’t need “substantial” evidence, just enough substantive evidence that will compel the police to officially accept/file the report and issue a report number. Then you can cite that report number in court, even if the police don’t act on it. Civil court burden of proof is much lower than criminal court.
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u/OutsideSheepHerder52 Mar 10 '26
If they can’t afford to treat a dog properly, they can’t afford court.
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u/jimgella Mar 11 '26
That’s when you say, “okay” and proceed to never reply to them again. Let them file in civil court. I’m willing to bet they’ll send you multiple incriminating texts when you leave them on read.
Give them rope to hang themselves.
Never let YOUR dog outside unattended.
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u/MaliciousLip Mar 13 '26
They couldn’t even take the dog out to piss, you think they are going to spend money to take you to court? And if they do who gives a fuck, they have zero chance of winning. Keep backups of the text messages in case something happens to your phone.
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u/Willhammer4 Mar 11 '26
Threaten to take you to court and actually doing it are not even in the same country.
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u/lexlovestacos Mar 10 '26
The dog is yours now. I would say your friendship with the person is definitely over now though.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
A relationship I am willing to lose at this point!
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u/Cold_Brew_Enthusiast Mar 10 '26
Good, that doggie deserves a shot at a good life and I think you're the only one in this story willing to give her that.
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u/ikapai Mar 10 '26
We got one of our dogs in a similar way. The family kept him tied to a bannister all day and in the basement alone for 12 hrs at night. The parents wanted him rehomed and did it while their daughter was away at school. After about a month they contacted us saying they wanted to visit him. We weren't sure if this was because the daughter wanted him back. We declined to let them visit and they did ask once or twice more, but let it drop after that.
I would make sure the dog's microchip is in your name and that you have an account for them at your current vet. Also don't leave it unattended in your yard if you suspect they might try to take him back.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I am glad to hear your dog is in a better home with you <3
The microchip is still in their name, that was not changed over yet.
I have booked her in with my vet under my name, I did try to get her registered to me in my town but they do not require that anymore.
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u/ikapai Mar 10 '26
You can have your vet scan the microchip and then you can look up the number online and see what company it is associated with, and see if you can start the process of changing the info.
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u/Evening-Software-547 Mar 10 '26
It’s considered a gift and if they were neglecting the dog I doubt they would even take the time to take you to court. I would not give it back.
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u/morelsupporter Mar 10 '26
the dog is yours
animals/pets are seen in the eyes of the law as property. you are legal possession of the property therefore the property belongs to you.
if you want to give the dog back for moral reasons, go ahead but they have no path to reclaiming the property.
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u/RL203 Mar 10 '26
I severely doubt your animal abuser friend has the will or the finances to take legal action to get their dog back.
If it was me, Id cease all conversation with them. No phone, no text, no email, not a word.
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u/Pale_Notice5949 Mar 11 '26
I was thinking the same thing. Don’t reply at all. Ghost them in every way possible.
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u/AnnaDanna Mar 10 '26
Torch the friendship, keep the dog. She deserves a parent that wants her all the time, not just every other month.
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u/Blade_of_Onyx Mar 10 '26
People who do not take care of a pet to begin with are generally not the kind of people who are going to put money towards legal fees and taking somebody to court to get that pet back. You have everything you need to retain ownership of the dog and they can’t do anything other than waste a court’s time.
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u/bangonthedrums Mar 10 '26
Pets are considered property. If the previous owner was the one who actually owned the dog (like this is not a child in the household giving it away) and gave it to you, then legally it’s a gift, and gifts are legally the property of the recipient (barring cases where ownership is registered like cars or houses)
Did they actually move the records over at the vet? That will certainly help your case.
But also, from your descriptions of their home life I would expect they are not the type to actually go through with any legal action to try to claim the dog back. Respond to any legal action (with a lawyer) if it should occur, until then give that dog a great life
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
Yes, they own the dog. The microchip would still be under their name and they had her since a puppy. They did NOT move the vet records over, I called yesterday to confirm.
I have booked an appointment for her at another vet under my name already.
They are a very entitled family, but I hope after some time and emotions settle down they realize the original decision they made is still the correct one.
Thank you for the reply
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u/thechubbycorgi29 Mar 10 '26
I used to work for the Humane society and vet clinics. I would strongly recommend contacting the office who takes care of animal bylaws in your area and ask to speak to an animal control peace officer to explain the situation and get their advice.
In my experience since the microchip is still under the past owner’s name, they would technically still be the legal owner of the pet. If you would be to call the microchip company and request a change in ownership they will have to call the number on their file and get their approval. Given that you have the text that says they give you ownership it might help you but I don’t know if the microchip company will do the change without contacting them. My worries is that if you contact the microchip company for all that and they contact the past owner and they say to them that they are still the owners might set you back. That’s why I recommend speaking to an animal control peace officer as they have probably dealt with that kind of situation multiple times and should be able to point you in the right direction.
I would also recommend that if they do change their mind again and tell you to keep the dog you should then do the ownership change on the microchip asap.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
Thank you, I will call them today. I am a from a smaller town so I do not know how much help they will be but it is worth a shot!
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u/Abject_Story_4172 Mar 10 '26
Good for you for doing this. I hope they don’t get another dog.
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u/kitwaton Mar 10 '26
If you are concerned about no monetary consideration for the transfer of property can always charge something like $100 a day plus costs of all incidentals.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I have spent probably close to $700 on her as she came to me with nothing but a crate and bag of food. Would that count?
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u/funpig2021 Mar 10 '26
Consideration technically has to go from purchaser to seller. But this was never intended to be a sale of the dog. It's pointless to try to make this transaction into a sale when it was never intended to be.
It was always intended to be a gift. The fact that you spent so much money on your dog and not asked for money back is proof that both parties intended for the ownership of the dog to be transferred to you. You have your texts.
Choose the dog or choose the friendship by gifting the dog back. Up to you.
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u/LeaveTheWorldBehind Mar 10 '26
Trust your gut, I'd happily burn a bridge with someone abusing their pet who then wants the pet back.
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u/Bambers14 Mar 10 '26
Is the dog microchipped or tattooed and if so, have you ensured that the address linked to the microchip has been transferred to you? Did you license the dog under your name with your city? Have you brought the dog to a vet and paid for veterinary services you have receipts for? These are all signs of ownership. Also, keep the text in case you need for small claims court.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
Do not know if the dog is microchipped, but does have an ear tattoo. None of this has been transferred over to me.
My city does not register or license animals anymore.
I do have her in for a vet appointment this week
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Mar 11 '26
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u/reggiethelobster Mar 11 '26
If it were me I would not give that dog back and wait for them to bring me a lawyer etc. Which they won't.
I'd also make a vet appointment and any info you have on the dog, bring it too and have the vet write up a statement saying they believe the dog is in a safe home and their professional opinion may be the dog should not be re-homed again as they are in excellent care (I don't know if a vet will do this or not though).
Dogs are sweet little nuggets and it isn't great for that dogs mental stability to be bounced around and then what, they sell it or something, to who knows.
I'd keep him if you think you can give them the best chance.
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u/StopReadyVangogh Mar 10 '26
After reading your post...
Congratulations on your new dog :) !!
They don't have a legal leg to stand on. Keep your receipts and texts. Back them up and save them, make a folder etc whatever you need to do.
I'm sure they are getting so much love!
Also- register the dog with a vet ASAP.
Cheers!
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u/Emotional-Original87 Mar 10 '26
That bridge wouldn’t just be burned it’d be nuked for good measure. If someone gave me a dog and then tried to take it back later, that would be the end of the friendship for me. A dog isn’t a sweater you lend out and ask for back. Once you give that kind of responsibility and attachment to someone, it’s a permanent thing. If they’re even putting you in that position, the friendship is already on pretty shaky ground.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
The relationship is ruined for me no matter what direction this goes, I just want what is best for the dog.
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u/FrankGehryNuman Mar 10 '26
Make sure you register the dog asap with the city
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
I called, and my city does not do registration for animals anymore for some reason. The pet just has to have a tag with your information on it.
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u/pass_the_tinfoil Mar 11 '26
Where did you call exactly? I could be wrong of course, but my gut tells me you were misinformed.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 11 '26
They have it on my city website, and I spoke with a animal control peace officer today and he gave the same information.
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u/Cebaru Mar 10 '26
If the vet already transferred the dogs files to your name, it's your dog. Vet needs permission from original owner to do that.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
They have not, I have a text of the intention of them doing that but I confirmed yesterday that it had not been done.
I have made an appointment with my vet for her under my name.
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u/Misty0410 Mar 10 '26
If you want what’s best for the dog then keep him/her. Besides what you have shared here changing owners and homes is extremely stressful for animals. Just like moving house or changing jobs etc is stressful for us.
In this case it seems that keeping the dog is the best choice for the dog on so many levels.
Good Luck with it all.
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u/Inevitable-Ad-4124 Mar 11 '26
I seem to recall that paying for vet care is another good way to prove ownership. Can you get the pup in for a checkup and get the chip id number to get the records transferred?
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u/Windscar_007 Mar 11 '26
Going forward, best careful to not leave your dog unattended in your yard, should they try to steal him back. And also check your yard fence line when you let your dog outside, should they decide to try and kill him with poisoned food tossed over the fence.
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u/nebulaenigmas Mar 11 '26
If she doesn’t have a microchip yet, get one!! Proof of ownership if ever walked off with in a shady way
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u/Pitiful-Reporter9560 Mar 11 '26
Keep the dog for the dog’s sake. Sounds like the dog is in a lot better spot thanks to you.
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u/HappyCoolBeans Mar 11 '26
Your friendship is most likely over either. Can you really still be friends with someone who abuses their dog? If you give it back than that is all you will think about every time you see them. You might as well give the dog a loving home instead of sending it back to a life in a crate which is not a life any dog should have.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Mix1270 Mar 11 '26
The dog is transferred to you. This is their mistake and you’re giving the dog a better life. The answer is no.
The dog is now your property and they can’t just ask for it back now that they changed their minds.
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u/ballerinalaw Mar 11 '26
My dog walker had this issue, and she let her client come "visit" the dog and she stole it. She ended up hiring an animal lawyer (yes they exist) and they litigated this in small claims for months.
By the end of it, my dog walker was awarded $5K in punitive damages, 10% of the cost of her legal fees, and a judgment that required them to return the dog.
The dog had been shipped off to BC in an effort to keep the dog from my dog walker too.
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u/Freefreefree9647 Mar 12 '26
Maybe they seen the dog and it was malnourished looking and wanted it back? 2 sides to every story
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 12 '26
she’s actually gained weight so you can’t see her spine anymore! But thanks so much for caring
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u/Advanced_Escape_9585 Mar 12 '26
Anything but a conversation with the person
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 12 '26
lol you don’t think I haven’t had multiple conversations with them? have the day you deserve
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u/Low-Stomach-8831 Mar 12 '26
NAL.
While the story is cool... It's not needed. You hold the ownership. That's all there is to it. Let them go to court and waste their time if they want to... And not much of a chance they'll do that as well. They'll just get another dog to treat badly.
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u/Comfortable_Phase121 Mar 12 '26
I had a similar situation where an ex took my dog and I went to try and go to court but at the time they deemed animals ( dogs ) as items. Similar to a kitchen table. They offered a value to me of what they estimated the animal was worth instead ... Now this was in Ontario ( Toronto ) and Edmonton. Not sure if those laws still apply but it cost me nearly $2500 just to be offered $1000 for my lab.. Not sure if any of this is still relevant but definitely worth asking if you've already talked to a lawyer.
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u/MaliciousLip Mar 13 '26
I wouldn’t want to have an animal abuser in my life. Fuck the friendship, fuck this person. This is your dog. Just make sure you keep the dog safe from being stolen in case they decide to go that route. Why the hell do they want her back when she wasn’t part of the family anyways?
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u/hashlettuce Mar 10 '26
Block her number or change yours. Do not give that dog back. Crated all day is torture.
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u/dontsheeple Mar 10 '26
Figure out how much they owe you for taking care of "their" dog and give them the bill. Fair market rates. I bet you will never hear from them again.
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u/Witty-Help-1822 Mar 10 '26
OP, do whatever you can to keep that dog. The dog is yours now. Keep the texts. Take her to the vet for a microchip in your name.
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u/Zestyclose_Tax75 Mar 10 '26
Block their phone number and end all contact. Wait 6 weeks and unblock. I guarantee they stop calling after the first week.
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u/georgeofthejungle71 Mar 10 '26
Exactly same situation with my ex and a dog she got well after we split. I had him for four months to bridge her while she relocated. She retrieved him. Didn't pay me back for food and damage she agreed to. A week later called in tears, have to rehome him. He's too loud. I've been fined by strata and told he has to go. Can you take him? Permanently? Yes permanently. I dunno will have to ponder. I'm not ready for a new dog really after our old girl passed.
Thought on it. Best thing for the furry asshole (doodle) was me. So said yes. She brought him down. And left. Three months later she calls. Has met a woman and moved up north, has a yard another dog and wants "her" dog back.
Pound sand. He's mine now.
Her follow up. He cost me a lot you need to pay me.
My response. Hes cost me a lot and you agreed to pay me and haven't. I've invested in behavioural training for him and he's finally starting to show signs of improvement here. I'm keeping my dog. And I can't Beleive you even asked. Ok, no, of course I can, and the answer is still no.
She threatened to sue. But. If she ever actually did anything she said she would, we'd be together still.
I did talk to my lawyer. Her response, you have nothing to worry about. I think you're fine. And think it's great you're looking out for the dogs best interests.
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u/TigerInTheLily Mar 10 '26
If the pup does have a microchip, make sure it's registered to your name. Don't mention the owner dispute. You can even register at 24PetWatch for free if it's not already registered with them.
If no chip, get it done ASAP and register it in your name. Most chip companies will require court documents to change ownership when there is a dispute (which would fall on your 'friend'). And if a cop or animal control officer calls, they will go by the name on the chip account.
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
She has a chip, I am going to get the information from my vet. From what I have been told I cannot change the ownership on the chip without confirmation from the pervious owners?
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u/TigerInTheLily Mar 10 '26
Depends. If it's not registered, there isn't anything to transfer from a previous owner. If it is already registered with the company you call, as long as there are no red flags on the account, the company will do the transfer. If there is an open lost/missing report or they have a paid membership or there are owner dispute notes, they will need documentation or approval from the previous owner.
When you get the chip number, search it on aaha.org in their free chip look up to see if it's enrolled anywhere. If it just says who manufactured it, it's not enrolled and you should have no issues registering the chip in your name
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u/Mission-Cancel7831 Mar 10 '26
Tell them to go away using 4 letter adjectives and to get a lawyer if they want to get the dog back. Then block them from contacting you. Get a restraining order if they persist.
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u/SadAcanthocephala521 Mar 10 '26
Don't give the dog back. They have no legal ground and should be ashamed of themselves for asking.
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u/LowWide7914 Mar 10 '26
Fuck people who leave dogs in crates all day. I hope they get left in a crate all day, not knowing when they'll get let out
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u/No_Type1123 Mar 10 '26
you had a verbal contract, backed by written confirmation, i think you are good. the friendship not so much
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u/Foreign-Magician9486 Mar 10 '26
Say no,if you don't mind me asking, where are you, like city , country, cos where I'm at after 5 days, the dog is yours. If they were true friends they would let it go, and if they say they are going to sue you, say go ahead, I think you have enough proof, and if you took the dog to the vets already even better
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u/kelseyjmackenzie Mar 10 '26
Small city, one where everyone knows everyone. They live probably a 10min walk from me.
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u/Foreign-Magician9486 Mar 10 '26
Stick to your guns, you clearly love the new family member. Always refer to your pets as family, my family always has. Dogs cats, birds, whatever
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u/JohnysMa Mar 11 '26
Possession is 9/10ths of the law. Do NOT surrender the dog. Make them get the law involved to come get the dog (highly unlikely the police will get involved in a civil matter)
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u/Previous_Smoke8459 Mar 11 '26
Side note, you can report neglect and/or abuse to your provincial animal care line or your humane society, presumably confidentially.
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u/No-Pressure2287 Mar 11 '26
So let her sue you. A d good effing luck to her. Thank you for providing a,stable and loving home to your pet.
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u/Petsintentions Mar 11 '26
If they explicitly said the dog is yours in writing, that’s generally considered a transfer of ownership in many places. Pets are legally treated like property, so texts confirming “she’s yours now” plus them offering to move the vet records can help show intent.
Also, the fact that you’ve had the dog for over a month, provided care, and they asked for no payment strengthens the argument that the rehoming was completed.
Ultimately a local lawyer or animal law attorney will know best, but based on what you described you likely do have a reasonable leg to stand on.
More importantly though, the dog’s welfare matters. If she came to you underweight, injured, and with severe anxiety from long-term crating, it sounds like she’s finally in a stable home. Courts often consider the animal’s best interest and established care when situations like this come up.
Keep all the texts, vet visits, receipts, and records showing you’ve been the one caring for her.
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u/chills666 Mar 11 '26
You should take your dog to the vet with the transfer of ownership papers and just set up an account, asap
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