At LCHS, we see this situation all the time. A friend can’t keep a pet for some reason so someone else agrees to take their animal to their home temporarily. Or a roommate must move but plans to come back for the animal soon. A couple breaks up, but one intends to return for the animal once things are settled. Someone gives away an animal with the expectation that the new owner will give it back if things don’t work out.

All these situations lead to animals being put in the middle of situations where they are eventually unwanted or unsafe.

LCHS often sees multiple people claiming the same animal is theirs. Or a person reporting that their pet should have never been brought to the shelter because someone else agreed to keep it indefinitely.

If you are in a transitional situation, protect yourself and your pets. If you are trying to help temporarily, protect yourself and the animal. Communication and documentation are essential.

These are questions to consider:

• How long will the animal be staying with someone?
• Who is paying for the food and other expenses?
• What happens if the animal needs to stay longer than expected?
• What should be done if one person stops responding to the other?
• Does the animal have a microchip, ID tag, or vaccine history?
• Is there any way of showing who the owner is if more than one person claims to be the owner, and both have pictures of the animal?

Here are the ways to protect everyone involved:

• Have a contract set and signed between both parties that addresses all the previous questions.
• Ensure the animal is vaccinated and there are documented vet records.
• Have the animal microchipped. Confirm its registration is current.
• Communicate openly. If you can no longer pet sit or you can’t come back for your pet in the agreed upon time, discuss that with the other person to see what options are available.

Working together will ensure your pet is safe and happy.