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Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

Most states classify companion pet animals (dogs, cats) as personal property, and only allow owners to recover the fair market value (what a willing buyer would pay for the animal) or the replacement cost (the cost of replacing the pet with an animal of the same age, breed, and condition) for the injury or death of the pet (a rare, prize winning, pedigreed dog may have greater economic value). But some states allow pet owners to recover greater damages when the injury or death of the pet is intentional or malicious.

In Virginia, companion animals such as dogs and cats are generally considered personal property under the law. This means that if a pet is injured or killed, the owner is typically limited to recovering the fair market value or the replacement cost of the pet. The fair market value is determined by what a willing buyer would pay, while the replacement cost is the expense of obtaining another pet of the same age, breed, and condition. However, Virginia does recognize that pets have a value beyond their economic worth and allows for the recovery of punitive damages in cases where the injury or death of a pet is the result of someone's willful or malicious conduct. This means that if someone intentionally harms or kills a pet, the owner may be entitled to recover damages that are intended to punish the wrongdoer, in addition to the value of the pet.

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Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

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Virginia State Code

Virginia State Code

Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

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