Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Who gets the dog.

The boyfriend paid cash for the dog (no written contract with the breeder) and registered the dog with the AKC under his name. When the dog was purchased I was told it was a gift to me. Now he says the dog is his.

I have taken care of the dog since the day he was brought into our life. I have paid for all Vet visits and medicien, done all training, dog daycare, paid for food toys etc. I have put out $2,500 in maintaing the dogs life. Not to mention finding an apartment that accepts dogs since his doesnt. The dog is licenced with the County in my name, Microchiped under my name, and listed at 2 Vets offices under my name.

Question is, Whos gets the dog?


Asked on 4/15/11, 1:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

This is not a real estate or real property issue. In general the court will treat the dog as chattel (movable) property, more like a car than real estate and not like a child. So the matter will be determined based on the evidence of interest in the dog (who paid for what and how much will be relevant), registrations will be relevant, but who the court would award the dog to and whether they may be required to buy out the other party's interest I would not try to predict.

Read more
Answered on 4/16/11, 4:38 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Washington