Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

I agreed to watch a dog for a family after answering a ad in the paper. They were to reimburse me for cost relating to his upkeep. I have had him for 5 months with no reimbursement from them. I have had next to no contact with them. Now all of a sudden they want to visit the dog. What should I do? What are my rights in relation to the dog?


Asked on 1/28/10, 2:45 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Bakondi The Law Office of Daniel Bakondi

Ask them if they will be bringing the reimbursement payment when they come.

Best,

Daniel Bakondi, Esq. [email protected] 415-450-0424

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Answered on 2/02/10, 2:57 pm

You arguably have a lien on the dog under Civil Code section 3051's general provisions regarding the safekeeping of personal property. They could argue, however, that because that section specifically refers to vets in the context of animals, that a non-vet doesn't have a right to a lien on an animal.

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Answered on 2/02/10, 3:46 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Animals are nothing more than personal property. They put it in your care, just like a trailer in a storage yard, or a car in a repair shop. They don't pay the bill, they don't get the property back. You could let them visit, but I'd suspect a 'snatch and run'.

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Answered on 2/02/10, 3:48 pm
Melvin C. Belli The Belli Law Firm

.Make sure you have their proper address and if they don't pay you sue them in small claims court. You could ask for payment before they come over to see the dog and if they don't pay you file a lawsuit in small claims court and then have someone serve them when they come over to visit Fido,

Good luck

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Answered on 2/02/10, 10:36 pm


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