For many families, a dog is more than a pet—it’s family. But what happens when your dog goes missing, gets picked up by animal control, and then the shelter won’t give your dog back? This nightmare scenario has unfolded in Oak Lawn, Illinois, sparking outrage from neighbors and animal advocates who say local authorities are failing both pets and their rightful owners.
One family’s ordeal with their beloved dog, Lady, highlights a growing concern: shelters and animal control may be holding pets illegally, even when proof of ownership is undeniable.
A Happy Dog’s Scary Detour
Lady, a friendly and happy family pet, enjoys daily walks with her owner, Kirsten Adamiak, and her father. But earlier this year, she slipped out of her yard after digging under a fence.
Fortunately, Oak Lawn police found Lady within hours and placed her in a nearby shelter. Kirsten and her father quickly learned where she was—but their relief turned into shock when they were refused access to see or claim her.
“They just flat out refused to let us see her to identify it was actually her,” Kirsten explained.
Despite showing photos and proof of ownership, the shelter refused to release Lady. Instead, she remained there for 16 long days, separated from her family.
When the Shelter Won’t Give Your Dog Back
Stories like Kirsten’s raise the urgent question: what are your rights if a shelter won’t give your dog back?
According to advocates, this problem is not isolated. Many Oak Lawn residents claim animal control and local shelters are exercising unauthorized power over lost pets, leaving families heartbroken.
Pet owners argue that:
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Shelters are illegally holding dogs even when owners provide proof.
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Local ordinances give control to the village, not private shelters.
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Families are being forced to “adopt” their own dogs back—sometimes at a cost.
Kirsten’s father ultimately had to pay an adoption fee to reclaim Lady, even though she had been their family dog for years.
Advocates Push for Accountability
Frustrated by these practices, Kirsten and other Oak Lawn residents took their concerns directly to the village council.
Animal advocates argue that Oak Lawn police should not simply hand over pets to shelters without oversight. Instead, they believe the village must enforce its ordinances and protect rightful pet owners.
“The shelter is taking total control, and that’s not how the law is written,” one advocate emphasized.
Local Government Responds
Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer acknowledged the issue during a council meeting. He confirmed that the village contracts with shelters to house animals but admitted the process can feel unfair to families.
“That facility provides the village and police department a place to house the dogs. I agree with you, it’s sad,” he said.
Still, for families like Kirsten’s, sympathy isn’t enough. They want guarantees that when a shelter won’t give your dog back, there are legal protections in place to prevent unnecessary separations.
Understanding Pet Owner Rights
Every pet parent should know their rights if faced with this situation. Here are key things to remember:
Always Provide Proof of Ownership
Bring vet records, adoption papers, photos, and microchip registration. This strengthens your legal claim.
Know Local Ordinances
In many areas, the village or city—not the shelter—has legal authority over lost pets. Request a copy of the ordinance if disputes arise.
Document Everything
If a shelter refuses to release your dog, record the interaction, keep emails, and take notes. This can be crucial if legal action is required.
Seek Advocacy or Legal Help
Animal advocates, lawyers, or local representatives can pressure shelters and animal control departments to act within the law.
How Long Can a Shelter Keep My Dog?
In most U.S. states, shelters hold stray animals for 3–7 days before adoption or transfer. However, when ownership is proven, pets should be released immediately. Holding a pet for weeks, as in Lady’s case, is highly unusual and raises legal and ethical concerns.
This is why the search term “shelter won’t give my dog back” is becoming more common—too many pet owners are facing similar struggles.
The Cost of Getting Your Own Dog Back
One of the most shocking parts of Lady’s story was that her family had to pay an adoption fee to reclaim her. Advocates argue this is unacceptable and may violate local laws. Families should not have to “buy back” their own pets when ownership is clear.
The heart breaking story of Lady and her family underscores a bigger issue: what happens when the shelter won’t give your dog back? For many Oak Lawn residents, the system feels broken. Families are separated from their pets, ordinances are overlooked, and shelters are exercising powers they may not legally have.
Pet owners deserve better. With stronger ordinances, clearer rules, and accountability, no family should have to pay to adopt their own dog back—or wait weeks when proof of ownership is in hand.
Until then, pet parents are urged to know their rights, advocate for fair treatment, and push local governments to ensure that when a dog gets lost, it’s reunited with its family—not trapped behind shelter walls.
