What are my rights if the vet lost my dog?
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What are my rights if the vet lost my dog?
I dropped my Boston terrier off at the vet to have her splint changed. They decided to take her outside. While outside she ran away. They cannot confirm that they put a leash on her. They have an outside fenced area which they did not use. They also made me take her collar off when I dropped her off. Is there anything I can do legally?
Asked on September 7, 2012 under Business Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You can sue the vet, but only for the actual economic value of your dog, unfortunately--that is, for the cost to buy a Boston Terrier. The law does not recognize any other cognizable or recoveable value when a pet is lost--for example, there is no recovery for your or your family's emotional suffering. Pets are treated like livestock in that regard, with nothing more than an economic value.
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