A few short weeks ago, I walked into the Lexington Humane Society with hope in my heart and dog treats in hand. I had been searching for months and had finally received word that a couple of puppies, just born, were up for adoption. Within two hours I had a cart full of puppy pads, food, dog toys, and a sleeping “Walnut” nestled in my arms. The rest, as they say, is history.

I am not alone in my devotion to my newly acquired furry friend. It is estimated that there are over three hundred and ninety-three million pets in America, with eighty-nine million of those pets being dogs. Like many Americans, Walnut goes with me everywhere – the park, his favorite pet store, and sometimes even to the office. My puppy is not just an animal or a possession, Walnut is a best friend, confident, and forever companion. But what happens if Walnut were to be injured by the actions of another? Does the law share my strong feelings about my furry friend?

Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding “no.” While every state is different, most states agree: a pet is considered a piece of chattel or property under the law and nothing more. This means that if your pet is injured by someone else’s negligence, you will only be entitled to recover the value of the dog itself. So how do you define a dog’s value? Walnut’s curious bark, floppy ears, and spunky personality is worth its weight in gold to me. However, the law recognizes just how difficult of a task it would be for a judge or an attorney to put a dollar amount on the cuteness of Walnut’s ears or puppy bark.  It is very difficult to put a dollar amount on the value of companionship and emotional support. Therefore, as a resolution to this problem, the law simply values animals for their market value in a commercial context.

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