Goodby v. Vetpharm, Inc.

¶ 1. This case presents two questions: first, whether noneconomic damages are available when a pet dies due to negligent or wanton acts of veterinarians and a pharmaceutical company; second, whether a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress lies for the death of a pet when its human companion was not within any so-called zone of danger at the time of the mishap. We answer both questions in the negative and affirm the superior court’s order of dismissal.

¶2. Plaintiffs, the owners of two cats who allegedly died from treatment and medication supplied by defendants, appeal from the…