How can I get my dog back?

Question

I asked him (a church mate) to take care of my dog this January. When I gave him my dog, I and he agreed to give her back when my situation got better. I asked him to return my dog. But since the day I asked, he keeps avoiding my calls. How can I get my dog back? I have my dog's vaccination record and my dog has a microchip. He is not answering my text or phone at all. Is there any way to get my dog back?

Answer

People who believe that their animal is being wrongfully withheld can commence a civil lawsuit (replevin action) to try to get the animal returned. The court will hear the evidence and determine rights. Adoption and purchase records, microchip, license, and veterinary records are all important evidence to demonstrate ownership but courts will also consider what transpired after (such as whether the animal was given away, sold, or abandoned). The police can also be contacted although the police do not often see these disputes as criminal matters since disputing parties often have different versions of their “agreed upon” arrangement, such as one person claiming the animal was temporarily boarded and the other saying the animal was given away or abandoned. I hope this all works out well for this dog.