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Contracts ContractsA contract that is already prepared is always written to protect the party who supplied it. It is the written evidence of an agreement. In a court of law a contract will generally supersede a verbal agreement. However, in a civil court of law, what is most reasonable will generally be held in favor, even if it goes against a contract. In lieu of a written contract a verbal agreement is just as binding. However, it can be more difficult to produce evidence of the agreement, which is why we urge you to get what you verbally agree to in writing. It does not have to be formal.
Too often we pass up reading contracts
because we are desperate for the service,
and feel that we couldn’t change
them anyway. However you are your dog’s
only advocate. If a facility or consultant
won’t modify the contract to your
reasonable specifications, you are right
to be concerned. Dogs causing injuryIt is always a serious thing when a dog injures another person or a dog and can result in disaster. You can be held responsible for things you never even thought of if it can be proven that it was preventable. If your dog has injured another person or dog, avooid saying anything or doing anything until you speak to a layer If you suspect your dog is aggressive consider muzzling him in situations where you feel insecure with him. In most cases dogs adjust to muzzles much easier than we think. Its also a good way to encourage people to not introduce themselves or their dogs to yours. If you dog has bitten, or in case you dog bites it would be a good idea to look at the Dog Owners information on Dog Bite Law. Although this is an American based site, there is still good information on what to do if your dog bites someone, etc., for people of all countries. If you dog is at a board and train facility look into your local laws, including your city, state/province, and national laws. There are laws that protect people, and laws that protect animals. In some cases, a trainer might suggest that you are responsible for any harm your dog does while on his premises. Check the facts before handing your dog over, because you shouldn’t be. Even if the facility or consultant can assure you that everything will be handled safely, accidents happen. Be prepared. Dog ownershipNo consultant has the right to withhold your dog from you, no matter what the circumstances. Some laws look at dogs as personal property. Make sure your dog has all necessary microchipping, tattooing, etc. to identify you as the owner. If there is a dispute call the police. They should be able to help you get your dog back, while keeping conflict to a minimum. AdoptionIf you are giving your dog up for adoption to a facility, consider negotiating a co-ownership, and draw up a contract about this. Anything else you add in a contract will have validity and and will allow you to be involved with your dog future. If you eventually feel the new owners are not treating the dog as you wish, you will have power in court to remove the dog. You can also insist that the dog not be given away or put down without your permission. The downside is as a co-owner you are legally liable which could potentially be an issue with an aggressive (or any) dog. It would be a good idea to discuss options with a lawyer. Some laws make the person housing the dog, or even just the property owner liable in a situation. Generally any new owner would be happy to keep in touch with you. If you wish to have contact with it with its new owners, get a contract stating this in detail before giving him up. Essentially who ever owns the dog can do what they wish, however judges will often rule in favor of what is most reasonable. Consider including in the contract states you have a certain amount of time to change your mind before signing over ownership. More often than you would expect, an owner wants their dog back only to find out it is gone. Keep all paper work, invoices, receipts and contracts. Do not make a rash decision. ReimbursementIf a consultant refuses to reimburse money that you feel the consultant rightly owes you, depending on where you live you may be able to pursue the matter through the Better Business Bureau, (in the United States and Canada) who will try to resolve the dispute with no cost to you. If you don’t have access to a Better Business Bureau pursue it through small claims court. In all cases we urge you to take action if you truly feel you are in the right. It is likely be the case that the consultant has a pattern of “dirty dealings". Small claims court fees are less than regular court and you will not need a lawyer. Also, if you are truly in the right, you will should get your money back possibly including the court fees. Nit only will you feel better about the situation, but you may stop it from happening to others. Abuse or neglectIf you suspect any kind of neglect or abuse has occurred with your dog, WE URGE YOU to get your dog to a vet, and retain paper work of the vet’s diagnosis. Take this and a report to your local humane society, cruelty organization and/or the police. This is imperative. People who harm animals usually continue doing so. Depending on where you live the laws may not protect animals in the same way as people. Take action immediately. If you suspect the consultant may be causing suffering to or neglecting another animal, do not confront the person. Call your local humane society, cruelty organization and/or the police.. Most organizations have inspectors to investigate. However, note that in some area, investigators do not have the right to go inside of a person's home without a warrant. What is a "responsible dog owner"? footnotes go here
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