Retaining ownership of a dog when it is placed in another's home

There are times when a dog owner must place his companion in another home for an extended but nevertheless temporary period. For example, reserve soldiers who are called to active duty, and people who are displaced by natural disasters often must give up possession of their dogs, but expect to get them back when circumstances change.

A number of issues must be addressed when making these arrangements. Some of the most important include authorizing the caretaker to provide at least a certain amount of veterinary care and agreeing to pay for the same, deciding who would be held liable if the dog causes damage or bodily injury to a person or another pet, and making it clear that the original owner shall remain entitled to take back the dog at the owner's sole election.

A written agreement is a necessity in this situation. While it might feel "counter-intuitive" to have a signed contract between friends or family, in fact it is most prudent to do so, because a written agreement prevents misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Attorney Kenneth Phillips advises that it is actually more important to have written agreements with friend and family than with others, because a breach of understanding between people who are close to each other causes not only monetary harm but also damage to relationships, which cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Such an agreement was prepared by Mr. Phillips and is available for free. Click on the picture, to the left, to download it.