Animal Attorney Services
When confronted with a legal issue like one of the examples here, consider the benefits of consulting with an attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies and nuances of animal law.
DISPUTES OVER OWNERSHIP, CUSTODY, VISITATION, or FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- disagreements over custody or support, between separating spouses, partners, or roommates
- contracts between co-owners of an animal
- wrongful adoption of your dog or cat by a shelter or rescue organization
THREATS, HARM, or FATAL INJURY TO YOUR PET
- threats by a neighbor or estranged family member to harm your pet
- serious or fatal injury at a boarding or grooming facility, or with someone you hired to care for her
- death resulting from incompetent veterinary care, or tainted food or medicine
- unwarranted shooting by law enforcement officer
"DANGEROUS DOG" SEIZURES and HEARINGS
- navigating the legal process when your dog has bitten, or is accused of biting, another person or animal
- appealing a determination by Animal Control that your dog is legally “dangerous”
- seizure and detention of your pet by animal control authorities
PROVIDING FOR YOUR COMPANION ANIMAL IN YOUR ABSENCE
Under current law, a pet may not be a beneficiary in your will. And many “pet contracts” available online are not legally binding.
Under current law, a pet may not be a beneficiary in your will. And many “pet contracts” available online are not legally binding.
- preparing for the possibility that you become temporarily or permanently unable to care for your animals
- establishing a pet trust that ensures your animals will be cared for according to your wishes
SERVICE ANIMALS and THERAPY ANIMALS
- landlords or employers who refuse to accept a therapy or service animal
- problems with general access or use of public transportation
- obtaining or proving service or therapy status
SMALL BUSINESSES and NON-PROFITS SERVING ANIMALS
Boarding Kennels, Groomers, Dog-walkers, Pet-Sitters, Trainers
Rescue and Adoption operations, Transport services, Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release (TNR) organizations
- adoption and foster care contracts
- employee and volunteer contracts and releases
- client applications and customer agreements
Boarding Kennels, Groomers, Dog-walkers, Pet-Sitters, Trainers
Rescue and Adoption operations, Transport services, Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release (TNR) organizations
- consultation on your legal duties and liabilities
- reviewing or drafting contracts:
- adoption and foster care contracts
- employee and volunteer contracts and releases
- client applications and customer agreements
- insurance and bonding concerns
- obtaining and maintaining federal and state non-profit status
CONSUMER FRAUD and PRODUCTS LIABILITY
- Misleading or fraudulent labeling of pet products
- Deceptive advertising practices
- Defective or toxic products
ZONING ORDINANCES and RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS (home- or condo-owners associations)
- zoning variances for keeping "agricultural" animals
- complying with municipal ordinances and state laws regarding farmed animals
- resolving animal-related disputes with an HOA or COA
ANIMAL ADVOCATES and ACTIVISTS
- consultation on First Amendment rights of free expression rights or association
- challenging the validity or constitutionality of "ag gag" or "right to farm" laws