Opinion No.

Office of the Attorney General — State of Texas John Cornyn Mr. Ron Allen Executive Director Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330 Austin, Texas 78701-3998

Re: Whether a veterinarian may refuse to return an animal if its owner is unable or unwilling to pay for the veterinary medical services rendered, and related questions (RQ-0378-JC)

Dear Mr. Allen:

You have requested our opinion regarding the options available to a veterinarian if the owner of an animal is unable or unwilling to pay for veterinary medical services rendered to the animal. For the reasons…