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Legal Vet Bill Question


jessie77
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My dogs, Jack Russells, escaped my yard and one attacked a cat. The cat owner took her cat to the vet and now need specialist surgery on the leg. I have paid the vet bill.

In the next couple of days the cat will be having a consultation for the surgery which i am paying for. I am also paying for the surgery.

So i will have paid $4k or so after surgery. I was asking the vet about how long i would have to pay the bills, the vet was saying that when the cat is about to have surgery the owner will have to sign a waiver knowing what during/after surgery, infection , death etc.

So i should'nt have to pay any bills after that?

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Unless you can reach an agreement between you and the cat's owner, I think that if it went to court you would be found to be fully responsible for any accounts in relation to the attack by your dog.

Depending on the state where you live you may also find yourself with an issue regarding your dogs escaping and attacking another animal. It's a sticky situation and probably a good one to consider getting a legal opinion.

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Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? :confused:

I take it you haven't had specialist surgery done on any of yours recently, that amount is not unusual these days. Although if I was paying someone else's bill I would have asked for a second opinion and quote.

Edited by Diva
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Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? :confused:

I take it you haven't had specialist surgery done on any of yours recently, that amount is not unusual these days. Although if I was paying someone else's bill I would have asked for a second opinion and quote.

Me too. Vets vary in surgery costs and some vets opt for surgery whilst some others opt for different treatments (if justifiable) I definitely would be forking out 4K without getting a second opinion and legal advice.

Edited by mixeduppup
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Guest donatella

Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? :confused:

That sounds about right I paid $7000 for specialist surgery on my dogs front legs and that was cheap.

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If their cat was in their yard I would pay all the bills that are due to the injury.

However if their cat was not in their yard I wouldn't be so willing.

In most councils cats are legally allowed to roam but dogs aren't . Unfair, but that is the law,

I would agree to costs, including surgery and a certain number of follow ups. I wouldn't just pay for all vet care from here on in.

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I would just draw up a simple document for both you and the cat's owner to sign regarding the extent of the expenses you are willing to pay. Something along the lines of "I agree to pay veterinary costs in the amount of $$$ for the care of ......"

I commend you for taking responsibility for your dog's actions.

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Sticky situation I think the dog owner is being quite reasonable about paying the vet bill for the injured cat. I don't think they should have to keep paying for ongoing bills for the cat though, not saying the cat owner will do this but I would be concerned about the cat owner asking for money for the general upkeep of the cat because who can say after an attack that did a fair amount of damage to be costing four grand what would other ailments could be considered the aftermath of the attack?

Drawing up a document that states clearly what you are willing to pay for and what you aren't and getting it signed by both parties and a JP might be a good way to go. Also make sure you get a copy of the receipt of the bill and keep it.

--Lhok

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