PET INJURY CAUSED BY DOG DAY CARES, BOARDING FACILITIES AND GROOMERS
Every year pets are injured or killed when entrusted to others outside the care of their owners.
​​
These heartbreaking incidents often occur at boarding facilities, daycares, groomers, and other pet care providers. What makes these tragedies even more devastating is that many could have been avoided if these professionals had upheld the standard of care they promised.
​
Accountability is essential. When we entrust our pets to others, we expect them to prioritize our animals’ safety and well-being. When they fail to do so, it’s crucial to hold them responsible for the harm caused.
At Boston Dog Lawyers, we are challenging the traditional belief that pet owners cannot be compensated for the emotional distress of losing or seeing harm come to their pets. While existing laws have historically limited recovery to the market value of a pet, we believe this approach is outdated and insufficient.
​
Through our relentless advocacy, we are making progress in the courts. In 2024, Boston Dog Lawyers was part of the coalition that helped pass Ollie’s Law, which established safety standards and regulatory oversight for doggy daycare and boarding facilities in Massachusetts. And in instances without established case law, we are persuading judges to keep these claims alive rather than dismissing them outright. This progress gives pet owners greater leverage in settlement discussions and brings us closer to meaningful change.
​
Your pets are family, and their safety deserves the same protections. We remain committed to fighting for justice, accountability, and the recognition of pets’ value beyond mere property.
VETERINARY MALPRACTICE
Under the law in most states, pets are seen as property which means victims are entitled to compensation for the animal’s market value and other damages.
​
Market value is the cost a new pet would be of the same breed, age, condition, and training. As pet owners know, the love for our furry friends cannot always be summed up with a “market value” and emotional distress can play a role as well.
At Boston Dog Lawyers we evaluate each case and the “damages” that have been suffered as a result of the alleged incident. These financial damages could include the cost of the treatment the vet performed initially as well as the cost of any additional medical treatments that were necessary due to the vet being negligent. In doing so we fight against the injustices of your loss and for your right to compensation.
This may be done in court or as part of a settlement negotiation or mediation. The calls to the dog line alleging veterinary negligence are some of the hardest to navigate. Veterinary negligence is essentially the failure of the doctor to adhere to the minimum standard of care expected of a veterinarian. It is a very low threshold so it’s highly likely that the vet’s actions did fall within the standard and there is no case. In a twenty-minute call with a pet owner, we go through outrage, sadness, anger, finger-pointing, and guilt pretty quickly. The pet owner’s guilt is bubbling just below the surface and often the motivating factor in calling my office. A pet owner needs to heal by understanding that he or she has not contributed to the harm because they chose to go to a particular vet or followed their advice.
We Vet the Vets
​
At Boston Dog Lawyers we have built a panel of 30 veterinarians nationwide who will review veterinary records as part of a “record review” which is the first step in taking on such a case.
We share the pet owners’ theories of fault and the records to decide as to whether there is enough evidence to file a lawsuit. Oftentimes we tell pet owners after the review that what occurred was not their veterinarian’s fault. While they are free to get a second opinion, many owners appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the vet is not to blame. Pet owners feel a great sense of guilt when their dog or cat is hurt, thinking they should not have chosen that vet or they should have spoken up. Learning what did not cause the injury or harm is very important as well. At Boston Dog Lawyers we determine whether a vet lived up to their obligation of care by comparing their actions to what any reasonable professional would have done in similar circumstances.
​
It is important to show that the vet was indeed negligent and did not reach the standard of care. Additionally, there can be the case of negligence carried out by other employees in the medical facility, including vet techs. In addition, it is important to have all of the proper documentation. This includes the medical history of the dog, any pre-existing conditions, the veterinary records and the veterinary notes. These aspects help to prove that the negligence was the direct cause of death. For a vet malpractice suit the plaintiff must also show that the vet accepted responsibility for treating the animal, and as a result of the death or harm of the animal the owner was harmed as well.
In a vet malpractice case, there are different players that could become involved including the insurance companies and the vet board. In Massachusetts the statute of limitations is three years from when the injury or death occurred. A case against your veterinarian can be filed in small claims court if the compensation you are seeking does not exceed the dollar limit in your state. For instance, in Massachusetts it is $7,000.
BOARDING FACILITIES
Most states do not regulate boarding facilities and pet daycare centers.
​
Most states lack comprehensive regulation of doggy daycare centers and boarding facilities, leaving pet owners with little assurance that their beloved companions are safe. This absence of oversight has created a “wild west” scenario in the heart of our towns and cities, where injuries and tragic deaths occur at an alarming rate.
At Boston Dog Lawyers, we have represented clients like Ben, Gabby, Lily, Miley, Ollie, Pebbles, and Suki, who have suffered due to the negligence or misconduct of these facilities. A common thread in these cases is the difficulty in holding these businesses accountable. Without enforced standards, it often takes legal action to compel them to take responsibility.
​
Advocating for Accountability
In 2024, Boston Dog Lawyers was part of the coalition that helped pass Ollie’s Law, new legislation in Massachusetts that sets essential standards to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in pet daycare and boarding facilities. Named after Ollie, a dog who tragically died in an unregulated daycare, this law seeks to ensure no pet suffers a similar fate. However, in the absence of adequate regulation, we act as advocates and, in effect, regulators. Unfortunately, like many legal professionals, we are usually called upon only after harm has occurred. It’s time to change that. To address this gap, we now offer free safety training sessions to doggy daycare facilities. These sessions feature firsthand accounts from clients who have endured tragic incidents and insights from our experts on how to prevent such outcomes.
​
We also believe in empowering pet owners. You have the right—and responsibility—to assess whether a facility is safe for your dog. By asking critical questions and seeking information, you can play a vital role in ensuring your pet’s safety.
​
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Facility
-
Fire Safety: Do you have a fire safety plan, and has the staff practiced it?
-
Overnight Supervision: Does someone stay overnight with boarded dogs?
-
Staff Experience: What is the experience level of the staff?
-
Emergency Care: Are you affiliated with a nearby vet for emergencies?
-
Staffing Levels: What is the fewest number of employees working at one time?
-
Training and Policies: Do you hold staff trainings, and are they documented?
-
Incident History: How many injuries have occurred on-site in the last year?
-
Safety Tools: Can you show me tools used to break up dog fights?
-
Insurance: Can you provide proof of current insurance coverage?
-
Facility Conditions: Are heating and cooling systems operational and regularly maintained?
​
Additionally, contact your local animal control officer or police chief to inquire about complaints or calls involving the facility.
​
In the absence of law, we must be diligent when it comes to pet daycares and boarding facilities.
Too often, pet businesses avoid responsibility or attempt to shift blame onto pet owners. At Boston Dog Lawyers, we have seen countless examples of negligence and dismissiveness. In one case, a boarding facility claimed it couldn’t be at fault for a dog’s death due to heat exhaustion because the owner said the building was “so cold” that she needed to wear a sweater upon arrival. The necropsy, however, proved otherwise. In another case, a facility blamed a dog for “consenting” to the consequences of being left in her cage while harsh cleaning chemicals were used nearby. This horrific incident led to burned paw pads, a partially removed tongue, and pneumonia that required eight nights of hospitalization.
​
For too long, these businesses have deflected responsibility and even bullied pet owners into silence. That era is coming to an end. At Boston Dog Lawyers, we fight for justice to hold negligent facilities accountable and ensure the safety of all pets.​ The safety and well-being of our pets depend on diligent oversight and proactive measures. Until laws like Ollie’s Law are enacted in all states, it is up to all of us—lawyers, pet owners, and conscientious facility operators—to protect them.
DOG SITTERS, WALKERS, GROOMERS
​When you trust a sitter, walker, or groomer with your dog’s care, you expect them to prioritize your pet’s safety. Unfortunately, injuries—and in some tragic cases, fatalities—can occur due to negligence or unsafe practices. Under Massachusetts law, anyone caring for your pet with your permission is legally responsible for its safety and well-being while it’s in their custody. If your pet is harmed while in their care, they have an obligation to take accountability and return your pet in the same—or better—condition.
​
The Risks of Unlicensed Grooming Services
The unlicensed pet grooming industry is particularly risky, as a lack of oversight often leads to unsafe practices. At Boston Dog Lawyers, we’ve seen heartbreaking cases where dogs walked into a grooming appointment healthy and left injured, traumatized, or worse. Common issues include:
-
Groomers distracted by their phones or other activities during sessions.
-
Pets being left strapped in without supervision, leading to choking or falls.
-
Improper handling techniques causing physical injuries or stress.
The Importance of Choosing Safe Pet Care Providers
To protect your pet and prevent grooming injuries, it’s essential to carefully evaluate any pet care provider. Here are some critical questions to ask:
-
Can I observe the grooming session, or is it done behind closed doors?
-
Are there cameras in the grooming area?
-
Are groomers trained in pet first aid?
-
What safety protocols are in place to prevent injuries?
-
How close is the facility to an emergency veterinary clinic?
Stay Proactive and Protect Your Pet
Your dog is more than property—they’re family. If someone you trusted harmed them, you deserve justice and accountability. As a pet owner, you have the right to ask these questions and demand transparency. If a facility refuses to provide clear answers or raises red flags, it’s a sign to look elsewhere. Mistakes can happen, but negligence and unsafe practices should never be tolerated.
At Boston Dog Lawyers, we are here to advocate for you and your pet. Whether your dog was injured at a grooming facility, by a sitter, or by another care provider, we will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
WHY HAS BOSTON DOG LAWYERS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT PET OWNERS IN THESE CASES?
At Boston Dog Lawyers, our decision to take on cases involving harm to pets stems from critical and often overlooked reasons. These cases are not just about individual justice—they’re about driving systemic change in the pet care industry.
​
1. Advocating for Pet Owners When No One Else Will
When we reject these types of cases, where can pet owners turn? We’re here to ensure they have a voice in seeking accountability.
​
2. Improving Accountability in the Pet Care Industry
Holding the right people accountable when things go wrong is essential. By challenging negligence, we aim to improve practices across the dog care industry and encourage better behavior.
​
3. Challenging the Lack of Accountability
The lack of oversight in some pet care fields is staggering. Too often, pet owners are dismissed or forced to seek justice on social media or through unproductive arguments. We bring these matters to the proper legal forum, where judges and defendants are taking them seriously—after years of perseverance on our part.
​
4. Breaking Barriers to Oversight
Historically, finding professionals willing to critique the actions of their peers has been a major obstacle. At Boston Dog Lawyers, we’ve begun to overcome this challenge, ensuring pet owners can present strong cases backed by expert opinions.
5. Driving Change in the Pet Care Industry
It’s rewarding to be on the frontline of change. We’ve learned that presenting a successful case requires meticulous records review and clear liability. We are not "vigilantes"—only a small percentage of inquiries lead to actual cases, ensuring our focus remains on those with merit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS WE MAY ASK:
​
Was your dog hurt at a boarding facility but they did not tell you how or said it is not their fault?​
​
Did the groomer leave your dog unattended and she fell off of the table or was cut but you were not told?
​
Did the doggie day care keep large and small dogs separate? Were they properly staffed?
​
Did you bring a healthy dog to the groomer only to get an injured one back?
​
Did your pet eat rat poison because the exterminator did not use the proper bait trap?
​
Your pet survived surgery but died in post-op, was she being monitored properly?
Was he positioned properly to prevent choking or aspirational pneumonia?
​
Through Boston Dog Lawyers you can hold your groomer, doggie day care or dog walker accountable. As pet owners we invest a lot of our money on these services and we deserve answers and compensation.
​
Contact Boston Dog Lawyers to see if we can help. We offer flexible office hours to accommodate the needs of our clients, scheduling evening and weekend appointments upon request.
