Help, My Parents are Getting Rid of My Pet
This article is written for the under 16 crowd who suddenly find themselves in a conflict with their parents who are making them get rid of “their” pet.
A kids worst nightmare, the pet they begged for is now one they are told to get rid of. Can parents really make their children get rid of a pet? Well, in most areas children are not legally considered the owner of a pet, so if a child is living at home, and is under the age of 18 (16 in some areas) the parents are the legal owner of the pet and are fully within their rights to get rid of it.
By all means this is not saying they “should” get rid of a pet, but it is their right. To be fair no parent should allow their child to get a pet that they (the parent) are not willing to care for, as it is common knowledge that children do not always keep up with pet care duties. It is unfair for a pet to be disposed of later in life like a forgotten toy. However if the parents were irresponsible and allowed a child to keep a pet and it is not being cared for by either the parent or child, then the only fair thing to do is let somebody else have the pet.
Who Owns the Pet?
In very few situations is the child the true owner of the pet. This would only occur if the child’s name is on the documentation as “owner”. This would be registration papers, or such. This seldom happens because most sellers will not sell pets to anyone under the age of 18.
Some parents put their children’s names on such papers to be “Cute”, but it would be hard for a child to prove ownership of the pet. If the child lives with the parents, they have to abide by the parents rules. If the child has moved out and left the pet with the parents, unless they are paying the parent to “board” the pet, again, the parent is free to dispose of the pet at any time.
If a child “finds” an animal and brings it home, they are not the legal owner of the pet. It must be reported as found. The parents would be wrong to allow the child to keep the pet without doing so, as the pet may have an owner looking for it.
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Published in: Pets
Jimmy Shilaho | Jan 18, 2011 | Reply
I am glad you clarified, I was waiting to see what kind of parents can make a strong willed mature woman like you whine for help.
samgoldencoffee | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
well written.
PR Mace | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Brenda, this was an excellent article. My daughter was 15 when she begged for a puppy from the litter my brother’s dog had just had. I knew I would have to take care of this puppy and he is now 11 yr old Kole. My daughter’s boyfriend begged her to take Katie because he rescued her from an abusive family and her was leaving for boot camp in 2 weeks. His sister who was a vet tech was going to being home medication and put her to sleep. Well you know the story. We took her. They were both my daughter’s dogs and now they are Pam and Craig’s babies. I agree with you that you should never allow your child to get a pet unless you also want the pet, we all know as parents who will take care of it.
MaxBuceo | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
I like this post. Great job.
Jennifer Marre | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Parents should never get rid of their child’s/the family pet. It’s not fair to the child or the pet, and by getting rid of it, you are teaching children that it’s okay to abandon responsibilities when you get tired of them. For a kid (and even a lot of adults), getting rid of a pet would be almost as bad as a parent being forced to give up a child.
Suni51 | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
In case the pet has turned hostile or learned bad habits, parents may ask their children to get rid of them, otherwise there is no sense.
Madama | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Good article. This article is very helpful for both kids and parents.
Val Mills | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
I really like the idea of a compromise. Well presented discussion here.
BruceW | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Very well thought out advice there.
thestickman | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
jemialbert | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
gud share
Larry Fish | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Good article, well written
Darla Cooke | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
Very good article! Thanks for sharing.
webseowriters | Jan 19, 2011 | Reply
An interesting share
Starpisces | Jan 20, 2011 | Reply
very interesting. It’s not easy to keep pets actually
Anuradha Ramkumar | Jan 23, 2011 | Reply
My daughter is asking for a pet dog; I’m thinking of whether to allow her to have one or not. I shall msg you abt the same.