I couldn’t afford the surgery my dog needed.

Question

A week ago I took my puppy in because I could tell he wasn’t feeling good. The vet wanted $900 just for a ultra sound and X-ray to see what was wrong with him. I was told it could be a $2,000 - $3,000 surgery. Me and my fiancé asked if there was anything else they could do so they gave him medicine hoping he would be better by the next day. He still wasn’t better so I decided to take him to a new vet. They took him into the room right away, and less than 10 minutes later she came out saying he has a bunch of kidney stones and needs surgery which will cost $6,000-$10,000. They said I can pay for it, and if I can’t, I have to give him up. They didn’t give me payment options or anything. It was 1 or the other. I don’t have that much money I’m only 19. They took him and said they will do the surgery then find someone who will adopt him. I’m so confused why someone gets to adopt my healthy pup now. It doesn’t seem right. I couldn’t afford it so I lose my best friend, but the next person gets to adopt him with no other surgery prices? Please help I don’t know what to do, and this doesn’t seem right.

Answer

I hope the puppy is doing much better. People who sign animal surrender agreements generally have no further rights to the animal. People who believe their animal is being wrongfully withheld can sue (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. Complaints against veterinarians may be made to the California Veterinary Medical Board. If the puppy is adopted to a new family, that family will be responsible for the puppy's veterinary expenses going forward (and that could be substantial).