While animal law is fairly new and still growing, it’s been a much-needed area of law for quite a while. Dogs can get involved or caught up in a variety of situations that require the expertise of an animal law attorney.
Working with an animal law attorney is one way to advocate for your dog and fight for their well-being. It can also ensure that both you and your pet receive proper representation.
Here, we go over a few ways that a dog lawyer can help owners navigate various disputes. Just keep in mind that the provided examples don’t substitute legal advice. The best way to get help for your particular case is to consult an animal law attorney.
The 6 Reasons You May Need a Lawyer for Your Pup
1. Veterinary Malpractice
Although rare, there have been cases of veterinary malpractice where a veterinarian harms or kills an animal out of abuse or negligence. If you suspect a veterinarian has done such harm to your dog, you can see legal advice from an animal law attorney for a clear understanding of your rights and what options you can take for your next move.
In some cases, you may be able to sue the veterinarian, and a dog lawyer can represent your case in court or help negotiate a settlement.
2. Dog Services Contracts
A dog lawyer can help you navigate dog service contract disputes. This is most often applicable to dog sitting, daycare, and boarding services. If you believe that such services have breached their contracts or provided inadequate care for your dog, you can consult a dog lawyer to determine how to pursue your case.
It’s also worth working with an animal law attorney to develop a contract if you’re interested in starting your own business that involves working with pets. This will ensure that your business is covered and protected if customer disputes arise.
3. Dangerous and Vicious Dog Disputes
Some people may choose to sue a dog owner if their dog has bitten or attacked them. They may file a complaint to declare your dog as dangerous and demand that they be removed from your home or be euthanized.
These types of cases often get emotional and can become complex. A dog lawyer can ease the burden by representing you and your dog and helping you gather the appropriate and relevant evidence to defend your pet.
4. Pet Custody
Dogs are beloved family members, and it’s important to know your pet ownership rights if you are navigating a separation or divorce. Working with a dog lawyer will ensure you have a clear understanding of your rights and what all parties can and can’t do throughout the process of a divorce. An animal law attorney can also help you make negotiations, put together your pet’s living arrangements, and figure out visitations for your dog.
5. Tenant Laws and Pet Evictions
Finding pet-friendly housing is a common challenge for dog owners. Sometimes, living with a dog can cause tension between landlords and their tenants. While it’s true that some dogs may become a liability for apartment owners, it doesn’t justify discrimination and prejudices against all dogs.
If you feel that your landlord is treating you unfairly or taking advantage of their pet policy, you can consult a dog attorney to get a clear understanding of your rights. Tenant rights will vary state by state, and an animal law attorney can provide clarity and let you know what your landlord can and can’t do.
6. Pet Trusts and Wills
When you’re estate planning, it’s important to consider your pets and ensure they’re cared for in case they’re still living after you pass away. A dog lawyer can help you draft a will and create a pet trust. A pet trust is a type of trust designed to help pay for costs related to your pet’s housing and care.
A pet trust is more thorough than a will, as it includes specific requirements for your dog’s care. It also ensures that your dog lives with a loving and responsible trustee who will use the money in the pet trust to care for your dog.
How Much Does a Lawyer for Dog Owners Charge?
Consultation rates with an animal law attorney will depend on the law firm. Some law firms will charge hourly, while others have flat fees. The fees can also vary based on the attorney’s level of expertise, experience, and specialization. Therefore, billing rates have a wide range from about $150 to $2,500 per hour.
Some lawyers offer services based on a sliding scale for low-income families. You can also find several different programs that help connect people to affordable legal aid resources.
Conclusion
Navigating animal law on your own can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. Working with a good and experienced dog owner can make the process much easier for you and help you obtain the best possible outcome for you and your dog. Resources for low-income families are also available. So, if you are finding yourself in a dispute involving your dog, consider consulting an animal law attorney to understand your rights and know how to protect you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock
The 6 Reasons You May Need a Lawyer for Your Pup
