Waco pet owner claims hospital forced her to surrender dog Millie

Tiffany Keller took her dog Millie to the Animal Hospital of Waco for treatment, where she was informed that the cost would be approximately $2,400. Unable to afford the treatment, Keller was presented with the option to surrender Millie, which she reluctantly accepted while feeling emotional and devastated. After a few days, she returned to the hospital to retrieve her dog and pay for the necessary care, only to find out that Millie had already been adopted out to another family. During her second visit, Keller recorded a conversation with a hospital employee who explained that the options provided to her were to decline treatment, request euthanasia, or surrender Millie. The employee indicated that the hospital had proceeded with treatment for Millie despite the surrender form being signed. Keller believes that someone at the hospital had intended to adopt Millie from the start. The Animal Hospital of Waco issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to the health and safety of pets, clarifying that they had diagnosed Millie with Parvovirus and that the client had declined treatment. They maintained that the signed surrender form prevented them from returning Millie to Keller when she requested her back. In light of this situation, animal welfare organizations recommend that pet owners explore all available resources before surrendering their pets, including local shelters and assistance programs. Keller's experience highlights the emotional turmoil faced by pet owners in distressing circumstances and raises questions about the policies of veterinary hospitals regarding pet surrender and treatment options.