Vets don’t typically take pets from people. However, there are a few instances where they may choose to withhold the animal from you, or you may choose to surrender them to the clinic.
It’s crucial to understand the legalities around vet practices. Often, they’re acting within their rights and in the best interest of the animal.
This article explores whether vets can take pets away from you, when can it happen, and what to remember in those situations.
Most clinics will give you a care estimate you must sign when the pet is dropped off for care, which gives you an idea of how much you might be charged if you agree to the treatment. If you are unable or unwilling to pay the bill, the veterinarian may keep the pet.
Legally speaking, when the pet is kept due to non-payment, it’s considered a lien against the services rendered, much like when a mechanic holds onto a car until the repair costs are covered.
When you sign paperwork at the clinic allowing surgery or boarding, there may be a clause that says the owner must pay when the animal is released and picked up, or you’ll have to give the pet to the clinic.
Most clinics require a deposit before working on an animal, especially if the clinic has never worked with you. If it’s your first vet visit, the cost may be higher than usual, but nothing too scary.
If you bring an injured animal from the street but cannot pay the bill, you have the option of surrendering the animal. There are costs associated with accepting pets dropped off by strangers. Vaccines must be given to stray pets, and there are costs related to boarding them.
To help you finance your vet bill, you could get a pet line of credit. Companies such as CareCredit will issue you a credit card you can only use at the vet. They may grant you a loan with no interest for up to six months. Care Credit reimburses the clinic in full, and you repay the creditor.
Can Vets Take the Pet From You Because of Abuse?
In most states in the US, if the veterinarian suspects abuse, cruelty, or neglect towards the animal, they have to report it to authorities and possibly detain the animal. However, it depends on state law on the type of treatment/abuse.
Generally speaking, no doctor-patient confidentiality would prevent your veterinarian from getting in touch with law enforcement if they felt obliged to do so, mainly if you were acting unsafe or cruelly toward the animal.
In some cases, doctors may offer the client the option of releasing the animal to the clinic or involving animal control.
Can a Vet Take an Illegal Wild/Exotic Animal from You?
Most vets in the US will not take away or report you having an illegal wild animal or exotic pet unless:
Even though veterinarians are not required to report wild animals unless they are being abused, they may contact a local wildlife refuge and have the animal picked up. Unless you’re abusing the animal, they’re unlikely to call the cops.
Vets collaborate with local governments regularly to report the vaccination status of their pets. There’s no reason to think they wouldn’t tell the police or wildlife department about illegal pets, even if they can’t/won’t usually take the wild animal away from you.
Most of the time, however, they’ll just be glad you’re taking care of the animal and will work with you.
In some areas of the United States, the Humane Society will rehabilitate or euthanize wild and illegal animals brought in. As a result, most veterinarians will decide not to report you because doing so could lead to the animal’s confiscation, rehoming, or euthanasia, which would be against the patient’s best interests.
Can a Vet Take Your Pet if You Disagreed With Them?
It will depend on what the disagreement was about. If you disagree on whether you should have a dangerous animal in your home next to your dog, they may choose to report this and withhold your dog due to possible physical harm to the pet.
Conversely, if you disagree about the best diet for your dog or your cat’s quality of life, they will usually let you make these decisions. Unless there is some abuse factor, the veterinarian won’t typically take your pet away simply because you disagree with them on diet issues.
Most veterinarians are highly compassionate to both owners and their pets and may go above and beyond to ensure that your pet gets the best care possible. With that in mind, you should try and listen to your vet.
Remember that you always have the option to seek a 2nd opinion from another veterinarian if you’re not satisfied with your current one. Vets make mistakes, just like anyone else. Always choose what’s best for your pet.
FAQs
Should you take a sick pet to the vet if you can’t pay?
If you can’t afford the vet bills, you should still consider taking the sick pet, but try to find a way to get financed or to pay the bill in parts over a few months. You could try Care Credit, get a loan, or take the vet to ASPCA or your local Animal Control. Many have vets on staff.
Should you take the pet to the vet for small things?
If you think your pet might have health issues, the answer to this question is usually YES – you should take your pet for a minor health issue, even if you’ve never done it before. However, if you’re unsure or it doesn’t seem urgent, calling your vet before is the best thing you can do.
Why do vets take your pet to the back?
Vets have proper supplies in the back, and it’s a calmer area to treat the pet, especially since pets can be anxious and look for their owner for help. Owners can transfer their anxiety to their pets, but they can be calm and adequately treated in a quiet area in the back.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
