Disputes over ownership of the family pet during separation and divorce proceedings can be contentious. However, you don’t need to be going through a divorce to have to prove you own your animal. What if your pet escapes and is found by someone who wants to keep it? Could you prove you owned it?
Microchipping is not a legal guarantee of ownership, because pets can be chipped at any stage of their lives - at the breeder, the rescue or the veterinarian’s office. It is up to you to ensure that the microchipping company has your current information. Recent software improvements can sync your latest vet visit information with the chip’s data, automatically updating it. Ask your vet about this, and confirm your name is on the medical record files.
Courts will look for additional proof of ownership during a dispute. A rabies vaccination and certificate, medical records and pet licensing tags will help you prove your right to own your pet. You should also show your bill of sale/receipt of purchase or adoption contract. Kennel membership and training certificates will add to your evidence of ownership. And don’t forget to have those cute pictures of your pet ready to show!
Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your attorney if you need to resolve an ownership dispute.