Humane Society failed to disclose cat was diabetic even after blood test was done. No uralisis test. Recourse?

Question

Are they obligated to reimburse me for the vet bills. The cat also had missing teeth and bad teeth requiring dental care that they failed to tell me about. They listed the cat as Himilayan and she is actually a Ragdoll. My vet saw her right away and she was dehydrated. Humane Society had her in an outdoor cage which is apparently dangerous to her breed. I have invested $800 thus far and have another $450 for dental work in the near future. I love the cat and do not want to take her back. Do I have any recourse. Is the Humane Society obligated to test an 8 year old cat for disease and disclose to person adopting?

Answer 1

I am kind of surprised that they didn't notice the dental problems, but not at all surprised about the diabetes. They test for fatal/infectious diseases and parasites only in most cats that come into shelters. They are not obligated as far as I know, plenty of shelter cats come with diseases/illnesses.

My guess is that you signed some sort of paper when you got the cat that would prevent them from being liable for these bills. I think it would say something like 'I agree to take care of the cat, be responsible for it, etc'. Somewhere in there they usually put something about giving the cat appropriate medical care which would include you being responsible for paying all the vet bills.

Usually if you call immediately when you find out about the problems they can help some- either by taking the cat back or finding you a cheap vet to work with. But since you took the cat to your own vet I doubt they would pay for what you already owe. Try calling though and see if they'll at least help you out somehow with the future medical bills for the teeth work.  

Answer 2

The law for that would depend on the state you live at.   I doubt you will get reimbursed for the vet bills, because what you were probably supposed to do, legally, is call the humane Society and tell them once you found out all the health problems, and given them a chance to do right.  They might have offered to take the cat back, or told you to take it to a certain vet that they use.  

You should call them though, tell them the situation and see what they say.   And yes, you can always take them to small claims court to try to get paid back for the vet bills, if they refuse to do anything.   Sometimes, people do win cases like that, if the judge is sympathetic.

But first, call the Humane Society.  They're pretty good people for the most part and maybe they can help you resolve this.  

Answer 3

the humane society is a none profit animal welfare help group...they do the best they can with the donations and the volunteer help that they can.

It is a cat, not a BMW from the dealership. thank you for taking her to a vet and getting her the attention that she needs.

no they do not and should not have to reimburse you for anything.

these cats are rescued abandoned fur babies...and if their is a health issue that they know about it is shared, if they don't know and the cat ain't talking, no one knows.

I have 3 fur babies/ cats, all strays.