Me and my ex broke up and now she's keeping my dog from me. What can I do?

My ex broke up with me just before Christmas, and this isn’t the first time. Now she’s keeping my dog from me. The dog has been my emotional support animal since it was a puppy and is even in training to be a psychiatric service dog. I pay for everything — the vet bills, grooming, and even health insurance for the dog. I also have a doctor’s letter confirming that this is my service dog. Do I have the right to go to her place and take the dog back?

If you have proof that you’re the owner of the dog, that you pay for all of its vet visits and supplies, then you do have the right to take the dog back. I would suggest calling the police, and if she refuses, you might need to take her to court to get your dog back.

@Wilder
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Is the dog microchipped in your name? Is the dog’s name on the vet records? Who actually bought the dog? If you have all the paperwork and receipts to show you’re the one who owns the dog, that’s one thing. But getting the dog back from your ex without involving the police or courts might be trickier.

@Morgan
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Legally, pets are considered property, so if you are the legal owner of your dog, you can get it back. If the dog is meant to be shared, you could potentially figure out a custody arrangement.

Tan said:
Legally, pets are considered property, so if you are the legal owner of your dog, you can get it back. If the dog is meant to be shared, you could potentially figure out a custody arrangement.

Hey, If you own a pet this quick 5-minute survey on Pet Food Market allows you to share your thoughts, preferences, and experiences as a pet owner. Please take a moment to fill it up for your furry friends.

Here’s the survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/39rKnKGSuf

Here’s the thing: if everything, including vet bills, is in your name, it’s your dog. Even if your ex’s name is on the papers, as long as you’ve been taking care of everything and paying for everything, the dog belongs to you. Plus, if your doctor has certified it as your service dog, then that’s extra confirmation. If you have more evidence, you definitely have the right to take the dog back. Your ex could dispute it, but proving otherwise will be difficult for her.

Try calling the local non-emergency police line and see if you can file a report for a stolen dog. Some areas will ask you to file a report, and then you may need to go to small claims court to get your dog back.

@Scout
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If you’re paying the vet bills and the microchip is in your name, the dog is legally yours.

Page said:
If you’re paying the vet bills and the microchip is in your name, the dog is legally yours.

Hey, If you own a pet this quick 5-minute survey on Pet Food Market allows you to share your thoughts, preferences, and experiences as a pet owner. Please take a moment to fill it up for your furry friends.

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If you have proof, you can just ask for a police escort to help you get the dog.

Devon said:
If you have proof, you can just ask for a police escort to help you get the dog.

It’s a civil issue, not a criminal one. The police can’t just escort you to take your dog. This would be something that needs to go to court.

@Noah
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This isn’t really a pet care issue; it’s a legal matter. You might want to post this on a legal advice forum. To get your dog back, you may need to take your ex to court.

Xavi said:
This isn’t really a pet care issue; it’s a legal matter. You might want to post this on a legal advice forum. To get your dog back, you may need to take your ex to court.

Hey, If you own a pet this quick 5-minute survey on Pet Food Market allows you to share your thoughts, preferences, and experiences as a pet owner. Please take a moment to fill it up for your furry friends.

Here’s the survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/39rKnKGSuf

Hey, If you own a pet this quick 5-minute survey on Pet Food Market allows you to share your thoughts, preferences, and experiences as a pet owner. Please take a moment to fill it up for your furry friends.

Here’s the survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/39rKnKGSuf

I’m not sure what the issue is, maybe your ex doesn’t think you take good care of the dog, but otherwise, it sounds like theft. Aren’t service dogs registered? If so, it would be under your name. You should let her know she can’t legally keep the dog from you. Maybe get a friend to help you get the dog back.

@Sage
It’s not a service dog yet. There’s a big difference.