Last Updated on January 27, 2025
Close to half of all American households have a dog, and many of those dog owners are single, so what happens to a person’s dog when they go to jail or are arrested? As it turns out, that question can be rather complex and depends on where you live, where you were arrested, and more. Contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested can help ensure you are not only protected from a legal standpoint but also a personal one.
What Happens to Your Pet When You Are Arrested?
When someone is arrested with their dog while out of their home, one of the most pressing concerns is the animal’s welfare. This scenario is common when someone has a dog with them during a DUI arrest. In most cases, if the suspect is coherent, the officers at the scene will ask them if they have a relative who can pick up the dog. When no one can be located, or the person being arrested cannot reasonably answer questions about the dog’s welfare, the pet may be sent to animal control.
If you are concerned that police will not consider your request to have a friend or relative pick up your dog if you are arrested while out with the pet, you can preemptively tell your attorney what you would like done with your dog, should the situation arise.
What Happens if You’re Arrested While Your Dog is at Home?
When someone is arrested while out of their house, a dog could be at a person’s home, where police may not know it even exists. In these cases, you can always tell the police or your lawyer after you are arrested that you need someone to go take care of your pet.
If you think this could happen to you though, again, it may be beneficial to speak with your lawyer ahead of time so he knows what to do on your pet’s behalf if you are arrested. This way, you can be sure that your animal will be cared for, even if you are unconscious or if the arrest leaves you too preoccupied to remember your pet.
You Could Lose Your Pet Forever
If you fail to remember your pet while in custody and don’t have a plan in place with your attorney, many problematic outcomes are possible. The police could accidentally let it out while searching your home. Or, the animal could be forgotten and starve while you are away.
If officers find the animal, animal control could take your pet to a shelter. When animal control is involved, they will usually try to get in touch with someone you know to get the pet in the custody of someone who already knows it. But if you are not released in time, and no one else steps forward to care for the animal, it could be put up for adoption —and you could lose your furry friend forever.
Make Plans Before Going to Court
Aside from your initial arrest, if you are going to court and there is a chance you will be jailed, have a plan for someone to take care of your pets, even if it means having someone take them to a shelter because no one else will adopt your pet. After all, it is better to have the animal cared for by a stranger than abandoned and forgotten about.
If you have a pet you’re concerned about, speak with a defense attorney as soon as you believe you may be suspected of a crime —rather than waiting until you are arrested. By calling (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024 to schedule a free initial consultation with Peter M. Liss, you can not only protect your rights, but also protect your pet if you are arrested.
