Posted by K9 Northwest on November 2, 2009, 10:14 pm, in reply to "Need advice "

Do you have a boarding contract? If not you should immediately draw out a contract and make sure it is very clear as to when and how dogs are considered "abandoned" and what your course of action is. Most facilities consider 30 days past due abandonment and have in the contract that after that point dogs may be sold or adopted to regain losses and that any money due that is not gained through the sale is still owed. At that point you can do a small claims court and or simply deal with a collection agency. Without a contract you may have your hands tied somewhat. Try calling animal control to find out state regulations for abandonment but remember to state the entire situation as it is quite different then simply having dogs dumped in your yard without permission. I'd definitely tell her immediately that the bill is past due and that if she wants to continue to have you board the dogs she must pay immediately and explain your plans (once you talk to animal control) if she decides not to pay. The trouble is that you agreed to care for her dogs and without a contract it is all just "he said she said" so you must be careful and research laws so it does not come back to bite you.

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