I live in OH, & if I am watching a dog for someone & she never contacts me about him, can I legally keep him?

Question

I was keeping him at my house while this girl was looking for a new apartment. She agreed to provide food, and any care the dog would need to keep him healthy (e.g. vet care, grooming visits). I have contacted her several times because the dog needs taken to the groomer badly, but she won't return any of my calls or emails. We have fallen in love with him. She said he would only be with us for a month, and it's been almost 2 months. She's only visited him twice...once to drop off food, and one time to visit him. Can we legally keep him, or is there a way we can try to keep him legally?

Answer 1

You should keep him and if she ever comes back state your case of keeping him. You could also take him/her to a vet and ask her/him the question. I'm sure the vet would have the best solution.

Answer 2

keep the dog, if she comes back for him present her will a bill--a very large bill.  you have the right to charge boarding fees if she hasn't provided the dog with food and vet care

Answer 3

wait a few more months and if she doesn't contact you see a judge  

Answer 4

1. Determination of abandonment.  There is a rebuttable presumption of abandonment if an owner:

A. Places an animal in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding or other care, or in a boarding kennel, animal grooming facility or animal day-care facility for services offered by that facility; and [2005, c. 422, §11 (NEW).]

B. Fails to claim the animal within 10 days after written notice is sent in accordance with subsection 2. [2005, c. 422, §11 (NEW).]

[ 2005, c. 422, §11 (NEW) .]

2. Notice requirement.  Before any animal may be considered abandoned under this section, a veterinarian's office, boarding kennel, animal grooming facility or animal day-care facility shall send written notice, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner or keeper at the owner's or keeper's last known address. Proof of attempted delivery constitutes sufficient notice.

3 When an owner or keeper fails to claim an animal within 10 days of a notice being sent under subsection 2, the veterinarian, kennel, facility or individual who has custody and control of the animal is considered the owner of the animal and shall arrange for its care, including, but not limited to, its adoption, sale or placement with a licensed animal shelter. NOW THIS LAW MAY DIFFER FROM STATE TO STATE ......BEST CALL THE HUMANE SOC OF YOUR CITY OR COUNTY