What happens if I cannot pay for my dog’s stay?
At Happy Hound Dog Resorts we know you come to us for your Dog Boarding and Dog Daycare needs. Sometimes life happens, we understand, we realize that you may not always have the funds to go ahead and pay for the services for your dog. Most of our customers have come to us for a year or longer. But what about a new client that all of a sudden finds themselves on hard times?
There are options for help both of us
There are many charities and options for clients to help us get paid for our services. We do love the dogs, but we have
a business to run. We look at our services like any other small business. Would you have a roofer re-roof your house, but then refuse to pay him? Would you go to the supermarket to get all your food and then tell them “I cannot pay”? Of course not, these would both be theft. You can ask friends, neighbors, relatives to help you. Start a gofundme account for your dog services and bills. Ask the service provider for a lower bill.
Can you really keep my dog before I pay?
Under the Florida statute 713.655, liens for professional services of veterinarians – this section comprises Florida’s veterinary lien law. A lien exists in favor of any veterinarian (code compliance sees us operate like a veterinarian) who renders professional services to an animal at the request of the owner of the animal, the owner’s agent, or a bailee, lessee, or custodian of the animal, for the unpaid portion of the fees for such professional services. Pets are seen as property in the state of Florida and as such, an unpaid bill is a lien against your pet. We will send a formal letter to the address on file, wait 10 business days, then we will take possession of the pet, find a foster or rescue and we will send the ex customer to collections.
Far too many dogs are dumped on good businesses
We do not desire to have to take these extremes, but it does happen. Instead of people going to the Animal Care and Protective Services or Jacksonville Humane Society, these “owners” decide its best to leave the dog with a business who will care for the dog. Owners provide fake credit cards or have no intent on paying their bills, they deserve to receive a collections notice. No one should own a pet if they cannot take care of the pet and that includes the responsibility of taking care of the invoice for the local business. Most owners never have to worry about this as they love and care for their pets like family. We are blessed with so many great dogs in our care.
