Pet-Sitter Let One of My Indoor Cats Escape. Can I Sue Them For Damages?

The first thing you need to find out is whether the pet-sitting service is insured.  Most of these service businesses take out liability protection insurance or pet sitting insurance.  Typically, the insurance will only cover the cost to replace your cat.  However, if you wish to file a lawsuit against the service, you may be able to sue for compensatory damages and mental anguish.  Compensatory damages award a plaintiff with the monetary amount necessary to replace what was lost and nothing more. In the 1996 case in the State of Georgia, Carroll v. Rock, the Plaintiff (Rock) sued the veterinary clinic for losing her cat after she dropped him off to be neutered.  It was the opinion of the court that while she couldn’t recover punitive damages (damages recoverable when defendant acts maliciously), they did find in her favor.  The jury returned a verdict awarding the plaintiff $150 in compensatory damages, $650 attorney fees, $350 reimbursement for cost of gas while searching for the cat, and $2000 for mental anguish, pain and suffering.  The $2000 for mental anguish was overturned upon appeal as the plaintiff did not prove the defendant’s conduct was outrageous or egregious.  In any case, it’s best to seek advice from a personal injury attorney who will be able to inform you regarding the laws in your particular state.