Catherine Daly, of Wagga, adopted Lucy from the shelter this year.

She paid for the dog and signed a waiver to take on medical expenses.

It was only after taking her home that she discovered Lucy's array of health problems - a lick and itch problem, lick granuloma and rotten teeth.

Ms Daly said the shelter never disclosed this information.

Since taking Lucy home, she has spent about $1000 on treatment so far.

Ms Daly has questioned whether the shelter's animals have received "proper medical attention" and are adequately vet-checked.

"I am in a financial position to afford the treatments, but it can be a huge financial burden for others," she said.

"I believe the shelter and council are tricking unsuspecting owners into buying an animal without telling them what is wrong with them beforehand."

Ms Daly went to the shelter to give an older dog a second chance, but she said the council should not be using ratepayers' money to operate an "inappropriate" service.

Wagga City Council's environment and city compliance manager Mark Gardiner said the shelter does disclose health issues to potential owners.

Mr Gardiner said the council staff "thought" the new owner was aware of the "visible" lick granuloma. He said the council apologised for the miscommunication and has offered to reimburse the cost of the $91 treatment.

"The new owner of the dog has not raised any concerns about teeth with the council and the dog's teeth were consistent with the expected condition of seven-year-old dog," he said.

"The council's contracted vet undertook regular assessment of the dog and had determined the lick granuloma was not impacting the health of the animal and did not require treatment at that time.

In other news:

"It may have worsened due to the additional stress of relocating to a new environment."

Mr Gardiner said the shelter's animals are vet checked from the time they arrive, to when they are adopted, desexed and when required.

"All conditions are treated as determined by the contract vet," he said.

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