ADOPTION CONTRACT
This agreement is made this day of _______ ____ in the year 2008, by and between Southern Shih
Tzu Rescue (SSTR), hereinafter referred to as "rescuer" and ___ hereinafter referred to as the
"adopter." The adopter hereby understands, promises, and agrees that in receipt of this dog to forever release, discharge and covenant
to hold harmless rescuer and by other related person, firm, or organization charged or chargeable with responsibility or liability, their
heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, damages, and costs, expenses, loss of services, actions
and causes of action belonging to the said adopter, arising out of any act or occurrence from the present time until the dog is returned
to adopter pursuant to the paragraph entitled “Transfer of Ownership” below, if any such return occurs, and particularity on account of
the adoption of:
Name: ______________________ Rescue Number: ______________ Gender: ________________
Breed: ______________________ Color/Size: ___________________ Approx Age: ____________
hereinafter referred to as "this dog" or the "dog." The adopter hereby declares that no representations about the nature of the adopted
dog, nor any representations regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or of financial responsibility have induced the adopter to
sign this contract.
Adoption Donation/Fee
In consideration of delivery of the dog from rescuer, adopter agrees to payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $________,
and further the adopter acknowledges the following provisions as defined: The fee is not a sale price, but a fee request to defer or
reimburse rescuer for any and all medical expenses, transport or any other expenses incurred by rescuer. Adoption fee may be
submitted in cash, check or money order. Check MUST be made payable to: Southern Shih Tzu Rescue.
Spay/Neuter Agreement
This is a contract of MANDATORY Spay/Neuter as defined herein. No adopted animals shall be used for breeding purposes. If not
already altered, said dog must be spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of adoption or, by the time that the dog reaches six (6) mos.
of age and rescuer must receive a veterinary record confirming the spay or neuter. There will be a follow up and the dog will be
removed if the spay/neuter clause is not respected. The adopter and the rescuer agree and acknowledge that the above mentioned dog
has been altered.
Transfer of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescuer must be returned to rescuer if for any reason the adopter can no longer keep it The dog shall NOT be
sold, given to or adopted to anyone else, nor shall there be any transfer of ownership to any firm, corporation, or organization of other
homeless animals; such as another rescue facility, or research facility. If/When necessary, family member transfer of ownership may be
acceptable and must have prior approval of SSTR. Violation of this agreement will result in court costs and attorney fees payable by
the adopter if necessary for rescuer to redeem the dog.
Environment
The dog shall reside indoors only, in the adopter's home, and live as a family member and companion only. The dog will not be kept
outdoors or at any other time left alone outdoors while the adopter is not at home. However, during the adopters absence the dog may
be confined to a room such as a bedroom/bathroom of adequate size, preferably closed in by a baby gate. The adopter is not to expose
the dog to harmful objects, poisons, or other living creatures that may endanger the dog's life. The dog may NOT be crated, except for
travel safety. (Most rescue dogs have a severe fear of crates and may have spent a majority of their life in a crate.)
Adequate Fencing
The adopter shall provide an adequately fenced area for the dog’s exercise, play and elimination. The dog will NEVER be allowed off
leash except within adequate fencing. The adopter agrees that the definition of an adequate fence is a fence that encloses a yard. An
adequate fence is one that prevents the dog within to go out of the area by jumping, digging or exiting through gates not properly
secured. The fence will prevent any other animal from entering the property the dog lives on, and will be secure enough to prevent
intruders or small children from easily gaining entry. The adequate fence does not include a split rail,, electric or invisible fence. A
shock or electric, collar is not acceptable.
A kennel environment is not acceptable for housing, safety or the emotional well being of the dog. If the dog should be able to jump
over or dig under, the fence it is no longer an adequate fence and must be repaired by raising it to six (6) feet or sealing any and all
weak spots immediately. This decision on whether a home is adequately fenced will be made by rescuer, not by the adopter. While the
fence is not serving the purpose, the adopter shall not leave the dog unattended in the yard at any time.
Health Program
The dog shall be provided with complete health care; yearly routine care, emergency care and all other needs as recommended by
licensed veterinarian. The dog shall remain on seasonal heartworm preventative for the entire lifespan of the dog. Rescuer reserves
the right to verify with the adopter's veterinarian that the heartworm preventative has been purchased and that the dog has a yearly
blood test for this purpose. The adult dog when adopted will be seen by a veterinarian within one week of the adoption date so the
heartworm preventative can be continued. It is advisable to do the fecal test at that time to be certain the dog is free of parasites.
Rescuer reserves the right to check with the veterinarian at anytime to verify that all the basic health requirements are being done.
Renewal of rabies vaccine is required by law and therefore by the terms of this contract
Important Notice Temperament and Health
Rescuer makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the dog. The dog is adopted "as is"
and, so long as the dog has not been reclaimed by, or returned to, rescuer, the adopter assumes all responsibility for treatment of any
and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that may occur. Rescuer will provide the dog
with the basic vaccines, spay/neuter and heartworm test before adoption if the age and current health of the dog permits. While the
rescuer makes every effort to place only healthy animals, the rescuer cannot guarantee the health of any animal and shall not be held
responsible for any medical expenses which may be incurred, hereby expressly excluding any implied or express warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding health, temperament or
whether the animal is housebroken.
Grooming
Grooming must be maintained to breed standards at all times, preferably by a professional groomer. Giving special attention to the
eyes due to the common eye problems associated with the breed. The eyes must be wiped clean from debris, hair, etc daily and/or as
needed.
Collars and Tags
The dog shall at all times be required to wear a secure nylon collar with an identification tag and rabies tag (displaying complete
contact information) We also prefer the dog wear the SSTR ID tag as a back up contact. The dog will NOT wear a pinch (cleat) collar,
nor choke collar or any similar article around the neck for the purpose of any basic training, any basic correcting, or for permanent use
of identification. Harnesses and halters are acceptable alternatives. A leash is required when the dog is not in an adequately fenced
area and when taken out in a public area.
Training
Under no circumstances will this dog be trained for protection, attack or guard dog. The dog will not be encouraged to show any
aggressive or agitated behavior. The dog will be a family member only and only participate in good citizen, basic obedience, search
and rescue, therapy dog training, or service dog training.
Transportation
The dog will not ride in the back of a pickup truck under any circumstances including those such as in a cage/kennel, or tied. The dog
shall not remain in any vehicle in extreme heat, with windows down or unattended for any amount of time.
Remedy For Non-compliance
It is agreed that rescuer shall retain superior title in said animal limited to and for the express purpose of assuring the animal's well-
being and only exercise its superior claim in the event it appears to rescuer that the proper and humane care as specified in the above
adoption provisions is not being afforded said animal, in which case the animal may be taken through a claim and delivery
proceeding. Rescuer agrees to make demand on adopter for return of the dog, and upon agreement by adopter to return the dog at
adopter’s expense, to allow for a reasonable number of days for such return prior to commencing any legal action to enforce this
contract; provided, however, that if demand is made in person by rescuer or its authorized representative, adopter shall surrender the
dog immediately. The adopter further agrees that if there is any breach or default of the terms of this contract, and the dog must be
redeemed through a claim and delivery service, that the adopter will be held liable for all court costs and fees for the adopter's attorney
and for rescuer's attorney. This has been read to the adopter and explained to the adopter. The adopter has read this, understands and
agrees to this and is signing this contract. Rescuer agrees that return of the dog, on a voluntary basis or through such claim and
delivery proceeding (together with the costs and fees of such proceeding as provided in this section), shall be rescuer’s sole remedy for
noncompliance with this agreement.
Rescuer's Reservation Of Rights
Rescuer reserves the right to follow up on this adoption to inspect the animal and where the animal is kept for the sole purpose of
determining compliance with the terms of the within contract by making a personal visit to the premises of the adopter at anytime
during the entire lifespan of the dog. If the terms and conditions of this contract are not upheld by the adopter and/or any
misrepresentations have been made by the adopter, rescuer reserves the right to terminate this contract and the adopters will agree to
allow a representative of rescuer to reclaim the dog without notice, except as expressly provided herein, or refund. Upon such
reclamation, if any, adopter shall have no further liability in connection with the dog or this contract. The adopter further agrees to pay
liquidated damages in the amount of fifty dollars per day for every day after the adopter fails to comply with the agreement terms and
refuses to willingly surrender the dog after demand from rescuer as provided herein. Rescuer's reservation of rights also includes not
adopting a dog into, or relocating to, an area or environment that may endanger the life of the dog after the adoption. If the dog
becomes lost, seriously injured, and/or permanently disfigured, or for any reason the dog dies the rescuer must be notified immediately
at the address provided on the signature page hereof or such other address delivered by rescuer to adopter from time to time.
Adopter's Acknowledgment of Terms
I hereby acknowledge receipt of the above-described animal and therefore agree to the following terms:
Change of Address and Notification
The adopter agrees to notify rescuer no less than ten (10) days prior to change of address, change of environment that will affect the
dog, or any incident involving animal control and/or complaints arising from said ownership of the dog.
Costs of Enforcement
Should it become necessary for us to take action to recover an adopted dog or otherwise enforce the provisions of the adoption
contract agreement, the undersigned adopter(s) will be responsible for all court costs and all attorney fees representing either the
adopter or rescuer.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential agreement between the adopter and the rescuer; provided, however, that the existence and terms of this
agreement may be shared with veterinarians and others necessary or desirable in connection with the proper care of the dog and may
be shared as necessary or desirable in connection with the enforcement hereof.
Right of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescue is the "sole property" of rescue and has been surrendered as such by private owners or animal facilities
that have signed a statement agreeing that the above mentioned dog is not owned property of any other person, firm or organization.
Rescuer shall not be held liable, charged, or chargeable for any misrepresentations unknown to this rescuer.
I certify that all statements made by me on this adoption agreement and on the adoption application are true and correct. I agree that
the rescuer has the right to confiscate the above-described animal in the event that any statements made by me are found to be false
and/or my check for the adoption fee is returned for insufficient funds.
Signed This Day Of , 2008
Adopter Signature(s):
Adopter Printed Name(s):
Adopter's Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Cell Phone: Email Address:
Driver's License Number: Issuing State:
*** Please attach a copy of your drivers’ license ***
This agreement is made this day of _______ ____ in the year 2008, by and between Southern Shih
Tzu Rescue (SSTR), hereinafter referred to as "rescuer" and ___ hereinafter referred to as the
"adopter." The adopter hereby understands, promises, and agrees that in receipt of this dog to forever release, discharge and covenant
to hold harmless rescuer and by other related person, firm, or organization charged or chargeable with responsibility or liability, their
heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, damages, and costs, expenses, loss of services, actions
and causes of action belonging to the said adopter, arising out of any act or occurrence from the present time until the dog is returned
to adopter pursuant to the paragraph entitled “Transfer of Ownership” below, if any such return occurs, and particularity on account of
the adoption of:
Name: ______________________ Rescue Number: ______________ Gender: ________________
Breed: ______________________ Color/Size: ___________________ Approx Age: ____________
hereinafter referred to as "this dog" or the "dog." The adopter hereby declares that no representations about the nature of the adopted
dog, nor any representations regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or of financial responsibility have induced the adopter to
sign this contract.
Adoption Donation/Fee
In consideration of delivery of the dog from rescuer, adopter agrees to payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of $________,
and further the adopter acknowledges the following provisions as defined: The fee is not a sale price, but a fee request to defer or
reimburse rescuer for any and all medical expenses, transport or any other expenses incurred by rescuer. Adoption fee may be
submitted in cash, check or money order. Check MUST be made payable to: Southern Shih Tzu Rescue.
Spay/Neuter Agreement
This is a contract of MANDATORY Spay/Neuter as defined herein. No adopted animals shall be used for breeding purposes. If not
already altered, said dog must be spayed or neutered within thirty (30) days of adoption or, by the time that the dog reaches six (6) mos.
of age and rescuer must receive a veterinary record confirming the spay or neuter. There will be a follow up and the dog will be
removed if the spay/neuter clause is not respected. The adopter and the rescuer agree and acknowledge that the above mentioned dog
has been altered.
Transfer of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescuer must be returned to rescuer if for any reason the adopter can no longer keep it The dog shall NOT be
sold, given to or adopted to anyone else, nor shall there be any transfer of ownership to any firm, corporation, or organization of other
homeless animals; such as another rescue facility, or research facility. If/When necessary, family member transfer of ownership may be
acceptable and must have prior approval of SSTR. Violation of this agreement will result in court costs and attorney fees payable by
the adopter if necessary for rescuer to redeem the dog.
Environment
The dog shall reside indoors only, in the adopter's home, and live as a family member and companion only. The dog will not be kept
outdoors or at any other time left alone outdoors while the adopter is not at home. However, during the adopters absence the dog may
be confined to a room such as a bedroom/bathroom of adequate size, preferably closed in by a baby gate. The adopter is not to expose
the dog to harmful objects, poisons, or other living creatures that may endanger the dog's life. The dog may NOT be crated, except for
travel safety. (Most rescue dogs have a severe fear of crates and may have spent a majority of their life in a crate.)
Adequate Fencing
The adopter shall provide an adequately fenced area for the dog’s exercise, play and elimination. The dog will NEVER be allowed off
leash except within adequate fencing. The adopter agrees that the definition of an adequate fence is a fence that encloses a yard. An
adequate fence is one that prevents the dog within to go out of the area by jumping, digging or exiting through gates not properly
secured. The fence will prevent any other animal from entering the property the dog lives on, and will be secure enough to prevent
intruders or small children from easily gaining entry. The adequate fence does not include a split rail,, electric or invisible fence. A
shock or electric, collar is not acceptable.
A kennel environment is not acceptable for housing, safety or the emotional well being of the dog. If the dog should be able to jump
over or dig under, the fence it is no longer an adequate fence and must be repaired by raising it to six (6) feet or sealing any and all
weak spots immediately. This decision on whether a home is adequately fenced will be made by rescuer, not by the adopter. While the
fence is not serving the purpose, the adopter shall not leave the dog unattended in the yard at any time.
Health Program
The dog shall be provided with complete health care; yearly routine care, emergency care and all other needs as recommended by
licensed veterinarian. The dog shall remain on seasonal heartworm preventative for the entire lifespan of the dog. Rescuer reserves
the right to verify with the adopter's veterinarian that the heartworm preventative has been purchased and that the dog has a yearly
blood test for this purpose. The adult dog when adopted will be seen by a veterinarian within one week of the adoption date so the
heartworm preventative can be continued. It is advisable to do the fecal test at that time to be certain the dog is free of parasites.
Rescuer reserves the right to check with the veterinarian at anytime to verify that all the basic health requirements are being done.
Renewal of rabies vaccine is required by law and therefore by the terms of this contract
Important Notice Temperament and Health
Rescuer makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the dog. The dog is adopted "as is"
and, so long as the dog has not been reclaimed by, or returned to, rescuer, the adopter assumes all responsibility for treatment of any
and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that may occur. Rescuer will provide the dog
with the basic vaccines, spay/neuter and heartworm test before adoption if the age and current health of the dog permits. While the
rescuer makes every effort to place only healthy animals, the rescuer cannot guarantee the health of any animal and shall not be held
responsible for any medical expenses which may be incurred, hereby expressly excluding any implied or express warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding health, temperament or
whether the animal is housebroken.
Grooming
Grooming must be maintained to breed standards at all times, preferably by a professional groomer. Giving special attention to the
eyes due to the common eye problems associated with the breed. The eyes must be wiped clean from debris, hair, etc daily and/or as
needed.
Collars and Tags
The dog shall at all times be required to wear a secure nylon collar with an identification tag and rabies tag (displaying complete
contact information) We also prefer the dog wear the SSTR ID tag as a back up contact. The dog will NOT wear a pinch (cleat) collar,
nor choke collar or any similar article around the neck for the purpose of any basic training, any basic correcting, or for permanent use
of identification. Harnesses and halters are acceptable alternatives. A leash is required when the dog is not in an adequately fenced
area and when taken out in a public area.
Training
Under no circumstances will this dog be trained for protection, attack or guard dog. The dog will not be encouraged to show any
aggressive or agitated behavior. The dog will be a family member only and only participate in good citizen, basic obedience, search
and rescue, therapy dog training, or service dog training.
Transportation
The dog will not ride in the back of a pickup truck under any circumstances including those such as in a cage/kennel, or tied. The dog
shall not remain in any vehicle in extreme heat, with windows down or unattended for any amount of time.
Remedy For Non-compliance
It is agreed that rescuer shall retain superior title in said animal limited to and for the express purpose of assuring the animal's well-
being and only exercise its superior claim in the event it appears to rescuer that the proper and humane care as specified in the above
adoption provisions is not being afforded said animal, in which case the animal may be taken through a claim and delivery
proceeding. Rescuer agrees to make demand on adopter for return of the dog, and upon agreement by adopter to return the dog at
adopter’s expense, to allow for a reasonable number of days for such return prior to commencing any legal action to enforce this
contract; provided, however, that if demand is made in person by rescuer or its authorized representative, adopter shall surrender the
dog immediately. The adopter further agrees that if there is any breach or default of the terms of this contract, and the dog must be
redeemed through a claim and delivery service, that the adopter will be held liable for all court costs and fees for the adopter's attorney
and for rescuer's attorney. This has been read to the adopter and explained to the adopter. The adopter has read this, understands and
agrees to this and is signing this contract. Rescuer agrees that return of the dog, on a voluntary basis or through such claim and
delivery proceeding (together with the costs and fees of such proceeding as provided in this section), shall be rescuer’s sole remedy for
noncompliance with this agreement.
Rescuer's Reservation Of Rights
Rescuer reserves the right to follow up on this adoption to inspect the animal and where the animal is kept for the sole purpose of
determining compliance with the terms of the within contract by making a personal visit to the premises of the adopter at anytime
during the entire lifespan of the dog. If the terms and conditions of this contract are not upheld by the adopter and/or any
misrepresentations have been made by the adopter, rescuer reserves the right to terminate this contract and the adopters will agree to
allow a representative of rescuer to reclaim the dog without notice, except as expressly provided herein, or refund. Upon such
reclamation, if any, adopter shall have no further liability in connection with the dog or this contract. The adopter further agrees to pay
liquidated damages in the amount of fifty dollars per day for every day after the adopter fails to comply with the agreement terms and
refuses to willingly surrender the dog after demand from rescuer as provided herein. Rescuer's reservation of rights also includes not
adopting a dog into, or relocating to, an area or environment that may endanger the life of the dog after the adoption. If the dog
becomes lost, seriously injured, and/or permanently disfigured, or for any reason the dog dies the rescuer must be notified immediately
at the address provided on the signature page hereof or such other address delivered by rescuer to adopter from time to time.
Adopter's Acknowledgment of Terms
I hereby acknowledge receipt of the above-described animal and therefore agree to the following terms:
- This dog must be an inside pet only.
- The dog will not be allowed off leash except within adequate fencing.
- Grooming should be maintained to breed standards and daily eye cleaning to maintain healthy sight.
- The dog will not be chained to a doghouse or chained outside to any type of object or outbuilding.
- The dog is not to live in a garage, doghouse or any type of outbuilding.
- The dog is not to be crated, except for travel safety.
- While the adopter is at home, the dog is not to remain solely in one room, not to be confined to either the crate or a room and
must have free roam of the house as a family member. - The dog is not to be left with small children at anytime when unattended by an adult.
- The dog is to have adequate food, water and shelter at all times.
- The adopter must provide rescuer with the name of the veterinarian the dog is going to and notify rescuer if there is a change.
- The adopter shall refrain from physical abuse of the animal and from otherwise treating the animal in an inhumane manner.
Change of Address and Notification
The adopter agrees to notify rescuer no less than ten (10) days prior to change of address, change of environment that will affect the
dog, or any incident involving animal control and/or complaints arising from said ownership of the dog.
Costs of Enforcement
Should it become necessary for us to take action to recover an adopted dog or otherwise enforce the provisions of the adoption
contract agreement, the undersigned adopter(s) will be responsible for all court costs and all attorney fees representing either the
adopter or rescuer.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential agreement between the adopter and the rescuer; provided, however, that the existence and terms of this
agreement may be shared with veterinarians and others necessary or desirable in connection with the proper care of the dog and may
be shared as necessary or desirable in connection with the enforcement hereof.
Right of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescue is the "sole property" of rescue and has been surrendered as such by private owners or animal facilities
that have signed a statement agreeing that the above mentioned dog is not owned property of any other person, firm or organization.
Rescuer shall not be held liable, charged, or chargeable for any misrepresentations unknown to this rescuer.
I certify that all statements made by me on this adoption agreement and on the adoption application are true and correct. I agree that
the rescuer has the right to confiscate the above-described animal in the event that any statements made by me are found to be false
and/or my check for the adoption fee is returned for insufficient funds.
Signed This Day Of , 2008
Adopter Signature(s):
Adopter Printed Name(s):
Adopter's Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Cell Phone: Email Address:
Driver's License Number: Issuing State:
*** Please attach a copy of your drivers’ license ***
| Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. All content of this site is property of Southern Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc., including photos, descriptions & graphics, and cannot be used without written permission. |
|
Southern Shih Tzu & Toy Breed Rescue and Sanctuary SSTR is a registered Non-Profit charity organization, dedicated to rehoming and providing sanctuary care for abandoned, abused and homeless toy breeds. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |