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It's wrenching to contemplate, but important to know: You may be entitled to compensation if someone harms or kills your animal family members.

Our animal companions are family. So it’s no wonder that when we split up with our spouses or move out of our family home disputes can arise about who gets to keep the animals.

You may be sued if your dog bites a person or attacks another animal.

The person who’s been harmed — or the person whose animals have been harmed — may file a civil lawsuit against you, seeking monetary redress.

You trust your veterinarian to diagnose, treat, and care for your animal family members. But what if you suspect that your veterinarian made a mistake — and that the mistake has hurt your animal?

This tragic story is all too common: Someone purchases a puppy from a breeder or pet store, only to discover their new furry family member is very sick, oftentimes fatally. If this happens to you, your heart will not mend easily. But you may have some legal recourse against the breeder or pet store.

It’s not uncommon for families to be told they must choose between two bad options: either get rid of their animals, or lose their housing. There are resources to help resolve problems with landlords, property management, and homeowners associations.

Animal law is a relatively new, and growing, specialty within the law, and an increasing number of lawyers specialize in cases involving animals.

In most cases, however, while it may be advantageous, it is not necessary to find an attorney who specializes in animal law specifically.

It can be disturbing-and heartbreaking-to witness an act of animal cruelty. Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.

You’ve stopped into the local pet store on your way home from work to pick up food for your cat. Your kids begged to visit a store that advertises puppies for sale, until you relented. But when you go inside, you’re shocked at what you find: puppies who seem too young to be away from their mothers, who seem sick and poorly-cared for. Other animals for sale are clearly unwell.

It is very disturbing when your local humane organizations are not addressing the needs of animals in your community in an effective and compassionate manner.

It can be heartbreaking to see a neighbor’s animal suffering in a situation of neglect. Depending on the situation, there are various ways you can help the animal or animals involved.

The Internet and social media are reflections of our society — the good, the bad, and the ugly. All too often the Animal Legal Defense Fund gets calls and emails from people who have stumbled across digital content that contains images depicting obvious acts of animal abuse asking us what they should do about the evidence they have discovered.

Due to the volume of emails and calls we receive, we cannot promise a response to your inquiry. 

Please note that your contact with us is not confidential or privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Animal Legal Defense Fund or any member of our legal staff.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.