New Jersey Court Says Pet’s Value Isn’t Measured in Money Alone

An appeals court in New Jersey has handed down a visionary ruling that pets, “like family heirlooms” have more than monetary value. Further, the court stated that pets “induce a strong sentimental attachment” that can’t be compensated for with money.

However, the court did not fix a price tag on the dog in the case they were reviewing at the time (Doreen Houseman vs. Eric Dare) and sent the case back to the lower court. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has reported that Veterinarians worry that they will suffer increased liability by upset pet owners if courts do put some kind of dollar value on a pet’s life.