What's Your Pet Worth?

When a dear pet dies, we are often told: “Get a hold of yourself; it’s only a dog. It’s only a cat. Get another one.” But for anyone who has experienced the constant loyalty and love of an animal companion, it’s never “only just a pet."

Yet, when the family pet is injured or killed through another person’s negligence, the courts limit damages to only the “market value” of the pet and stop short of considering sentimental value. As you will read in this month’s “You Should Know” newsletter, that precedent is being challenged by animal lovers throughout the country...