Pet Adoption Agreement

PET ADOPTION AGREEMENT

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

PARTIES

This Pet Adoption Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [ADOPTION DATE] by and between:

Adoption Organization ("Organization"):

• Organization Name: [ORGANIZATION LEGAL NAME]
• Type: ☐ 501(c)(3) Nonprofit ☐ Municipal Shelter ☐ Private Rescue ☐ Other: [SPECIFY]
• Tax ID/EIN: [NUMBER, IF APPLICABLE]
• Address: [ADDRESS]
• Phone: [PHONE]
• Email: [EMAIL]
• License Number: [STATE/LOCAL LICENSE, IF APPLICABLE]

Adopter:

• Name: [ADOPTER FULL LEGAL NAME]
• Address: [ADDRESS]
• City, State, ZIP: [CITY, STATE, ZIP]
• Phone (Primary): [PHONE]
• Phone (Secondary): [PHONE]
• Email: [EMAIL]
• Date of Birth: [DOB]
• Driver's License/ID: [NUMBER, STATE]

Co-Adopter (if applicable):

• Name: [CO-ADOPTER NAME]
• Relationship: [RELATIONSHIP]
• Phone: [PHONE]
• Email: [EMAIL]

SECTION 1: ANIMAL INFORMATION

1.1 Animal Identification

1.2 Known History

Origin:
☐ Stray/Found
☐ Owner Surrender - Reason: [REASON]
☐ Transfer from another shelter
☐ Cruelty/Neglect case
☐ Unknown

Time in Organization's Care: [DURATION]

Foster Home History:
☐ Direct from intake
☐ Was in foster home(s)

1.3 Medical History

Vaccinations Administered:
| Vaccine | Date Given | Due Date |
|---------|------------|----------|
| [VACCINE] | [DATE] | [NEXT DUE] |
| [VACCINE] | [DATE] | [NEXT DUE] |
| [VACCINE] | [DATE] | [NEXT DUE] |
| [VACCINE] | [DATE] | [NEXT DUE] |

Medical Treatments/Procedures:
☐ Spay/Neuter - Date: [DATE]
☐ Microchip implanted - Date: [DATE]
☐ Flea/tick treatment - Date: [DATE]
☐ Deworming - Date: [DATE]
☐ Heartworm test (dogs) - Date: [DATE] Result: ☐ Negative ☐ Positive
☐ FeLV/FIV test (cats) - Date: [DATE] Result: ☐ Negative ☐ Positive
☐ Dental cleaning
☐ Other treatments: [DESCRIBE]

Known Medical Conditions:
☐ None known
☐ The following conditions are known: [DESCRIBE CONDITIONS]

1.4 Behavioral Information

Temperament:
☐ Good with adults
☐ Good with children (ages: [AGES])
☐ Good with dogs
☐ Good with cats
☐ Good with other animals: [SPECIFY]
☐ Unknown/Not tested

Training:
☐ House trained
☐ Crate trained
☐ Leash trained
☐ Basic commands
☐ Not trained/Unknown

Known Behavioral Issues:
☐ None known
☐ The following behaviors have been observed: [DESCRIBE]

Special Needs:
☐ None
☐ Special needs: [DESCRIBE]

SECTION 2: ADOPTER REQUIREMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS

2.1 Eligibility Requirements

By signing this Agreement, Adopter represents and warrants that:

☐ Adopter is at least [18/21] years of age

☐ Adopter has valid government-issued identification

☐ Adopter resides at the address provided above

☐ If renting, Adopter has written permission from landlord to have pets
Landlord Name: [NAME]
Landlord Phone: [PHONE]
☐ Landlord verification completed by Organization

☐ If in HOA-governed property, Adopter confirms pets are permitted
☐ Any breed/size restrictions have been verified

☐ Adopter has not been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect

☐ Adopter is not currently subject to any restriction on animal ownership

☐ Adopter has disclosed all current pets in the household

2.2 Home Verification

☐ Home visit completed - Date: [DATE]
☐ Home visit waived
☐ Virtual home check completed
☐ References verified

2.3 Current Pets in Household

☐ No other pets currently

SECTION 3: ADOPTION COVENANTS AND CARE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General Care Obligations

Adopter agrees to provide the adopted animal with:

☐ Adequate Food and Water - Appropriate diet and fresh water at all times

☐ Proper Shelter - Safe, clean, and appropriate indoor living environment

☐ Veterinary Care - Regular veterinary care including annual examinations, vaccinations, and prompt treatment for illness or injury

☐ Identification - Keep current identification on animal at all times (collar with tags, microchip registration current)

☐ Socialization and Exercise - Appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction

☐ Humane Treatment - Treat animal with kindness and never subject to abuse, neglect, or cruelty

☐ Legal Compliance - Comply with all local, state, and federal animal laws including licensing requirements

3.2 Specific Prohibitions

Adopter agrees that they will NOT:

☐ Abandon the animal or leave it in the care of others without proper arrangements

☐ Sell, trade, or give away the animal to any person or entity without Organization's prior written consent

☐ Use for breeding (see Section 4)

☐ Use for fighting or any illegal purpose

☐ Allow to roam - Keep animal safely contained or under control at all times

☐ Surrender to a shelter other than this Organization without first contacting Organization

☐ Tether or chain as primary means of containment

☐ Leave unattended in vehicles in conditions that could cause harm

☐ Perform or allow cosmetic surgery (ear cropping, tail docking, declawing) except when medically necessary

☐ Use cruel training methods or punishment-based techniques

3.3 Housing Requirements

Dogs:
☐ Indoor living required (outdoor access permitted with supervision)
☐ Secure, fenced yard: ☐ Required ☐ Preferred ☐ Not required
☐ If no fenced yard, Adopter agrees to leash walks and supervised outdoor time

Cats:
☐ Indoor-only required
☐ Indoor/outdoor permitted with safe outdoor access

Other Animals:
[SPECIFY HOUSING REQUIREMENTS]

3.4 Licensing

☐ Adopter will obtain required local pet license within [30] days of adoption

☐ License obtained: Number: [NUMBER] Jurisdiction: [JURISDICTION]

SECTION 4: SPAY/NEUTER AGREEMENT

4.1 Spay/Neuter Status

☐ Already Altered - Animal has been spayed/neutered prior to adoption
Date of procedure: [DATE]

☐ To Be Altered - Animal is NOT yet spayed/neutered

4.2 Spay/Neuter Requirement (if not already altered)

If the animal has NOT been spayed/neutered prior to adoption, Adopter agrees:

☐ To have the animal spayed/neutered by [DATE - typically within 30-60 days]

☐ Procedure will be performed by:
☐ Organization's veterinary partner: [VET NAME]
☐ Adopter's veterinarian: [VET NAME, PHONE]

☐ To provide proof of spay/neuter (veterinary certificate) to Organization within [7] days of procedure

☐ A spay/neuter deposit of $[AMOUNT] has been collected
☐ Deposit will be refunded upon receipt of proof of spay/neuter
☐ Deposit will be forfeited if not completed by deadline

4.3 Consequences of Failure to Spay/Neuter

Failure to spay/neuter by the required deadline may result in:

☐ Forfeiture of deposit
☐ Organization reclaiming the animal
☐ Legal action to enforce this Agreement
☐ Assessment of additional fees
☐ Reporting to appropriate authorities

SECTION 5: RETURN AND RECLAIM POLICY

5.1 First Right of Refusal

If for any reason Adopter can no longer care for the animal, Adopter agrees to:

☐ Contact Organization first before surrendering, rehoming, or transferring the animal to anyone else

☐ Return the animal to Organization if requested or if Adopter is unable to keep

☐ Never abandon the animal at any shelter, facility, or location

5.2 Return Policy

Within [14/30] days of adoption:
☐ Animal may be returned for any reason
☐ Adoption fee: ☐ Fully refunded ☐ Partially refunded ($[AMOUNT]) ☐ Not refunded

After [14/30] days:
☐ Animal may be returned but adoption fee is not refundable
☐ Adopter agrees to provide all medical records and behavioral information
☐ A surrender fee of $[AMOUNT] may apply

5.3 Organization's Right to Reclaim

Organization reserves the right to reclaim the animal immediately if:

☐ Adopter violates any term of this Agreement
☐ Animal is found to be in unsafe or harmful conditions
☐ Adopter misrepresented information on the adoption application
☐ Spay/neuter requirement is not met
☐ Legal action requires removal of the animal
☐ Organization determines it is in the animal's best interest

5.4 Adoption Fee Refund

☐ Adoption fee is non-refundable except as specified in Section 5.2

☐ If animal is reclaimed due to Adopter's breach, no refund will be provided

☐ If animal passes away within [48/72] hours of adoption due to pre-existing illness, adoption fee ☐ will ☐ will not be refunded

SECTION 6: MEDICAL DISCLOSURE AND WAIVER

6.1 Health Disclaimer

Adopter understands and acknowledges that:

☐ Organization has made reasonable efforts to assess the animal's health

☐ Animals in shelter/rescue environments may be exposed to illness despite precautions

☐ Some conditions may not be apparent at time of adoption

☐ The animal is being adopted "AS IS" with respect to health and temperament

☐ Organization makes no warranty or guarantee regarding the animal's health, temperament, behavior, or suitability

6.2 Known Conditions Disclosure

The following conditions/concerns have been disclosed to Adopter:

☐ Medical: [LIST ANY KNOWN CONDITIONS]

☐ Behavioral: [LIST ANY KNOWN ISSUES]

☐ None known

6.3 Veterinary Examination Recommendation

☐ Organization recommends a veterinary examination within [7] days of adoption

☐ Adopter agrees to have animal examined by [DATE]: _______

SECTION 7: ADOPTION FEES

7.1 Fee Summary

7.2 What Adoption Fee Includes

☐ Spay/neuter surgery (if already completed)
☐ Age-appropriate vaccinations
☐ Microchip and registration
☐ Flea/tick treatment
☐ Deworming
☐ Veterinary health check
☐ Heartworm/FeLV/FIV testing
☐ [NUMBER] days of pet insurance
☐ Starter kit (food, leash, etc.)
☐ Other: [SPECIFY]

7.3 Payment

☐ Payment received in full
☐ Payment method: ☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Credit Card ☐ [OTHER]
☐ Receipt number: [NUMBER]

SECTION 8: FOLLOW-UP AND CONTACT

8.1 Follow-Up Authorization

☐ Adopter agrees to allow Organization to conduct follow-up contact to check on the animal's welfare

☐ Follow-up may include: ☐ Phone calls ☐ Emails ☐ Home visits (with notice)

8.2 Address Changes

☐ Adopter agrees to notify Organization of any change of address, phone number, or email within [30] days

8.3 Microchip Registration

☐ Microchip registration will be transferred to Adopter's name and contact information

☐ Adopter agrees to keep microchip registration current with accurate contact information

☐ Organization will remain listed as a secondary contact on microchip registration

SECTION 9: LIABILITY AND WAIVER

9.1 Release of Liability

Adopter hereby releases, waives, and discharges [ORGANIZATION NAME], its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action arising from or related to the adoption, including but not limited to:

☐ Injury or illness to the adopted animal

☐ Injury or damage caused by the adopted animal to Adopter, family members, other persons, other animals, or property

☐ Any pre-existing or undiscovered medical conditions

☐ Behavioral issues that manifest after adoption

9.2 Indemnification

Adopter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless [ORGANIZATION NAME] from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

☐ The adopted animal's actions after adoption

☐ Adopter's breach of this Agreement

☐ Adopter's negligence in the care or control of the animal

9.3 No Warranty

☐ Organization makes no express or implied warranties regarding the animal's health, temperament, breed, age, or suitability for any purpose

☐ Adopter accepts the animal "AS IS"

SECTION 10: LEGAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [STATE].

10.2 Dispute Resolution

☐ Any disputes shall first be attempted to be resolved through informal discussion
☐ If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to mediation
☐ Prevailing party in any legal action may recover reasonable attorney fees

10.3 Enforcement

☐ This Agreement is a legally binding contract

☐ Organization may seek specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or monetary damages for breach

☐ Adopter consents to Organization reclaiming the animal if this Agreement is breached

10.4 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full effect.

10.5 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding this adoption.

SECTION 11: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND SIGNATURES

11.1 Adopter Acknowledgments

By signing below, Adopter acknowledges and agrees that:

☐ I have read and understand this entire Adoption Agreement

☐ I have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received satisfactory answers

☐ All information I provided on my adoption application is true and accurate

☐ I am adopting this animal for myself and not on behalf of another person

☐ I understand and agree to all care requirements and prohibitions

☐ I agree to the spay/neuter requirements (if applicable)

☐ I agree to return the animal to this Organization if I can no longer keep it

☐ I understand the animal is adopted "AS IS" with no warranties

☐ I accept financial responsibility for all future care of this animal

☐ I consent to follow-up contact from the Organization

☐ I agree to be bound by all terms of this Agreement

☐ I have received a copy of this Agreement

11.2 Organization Acknowledgments

By signing below, Organization representative confirms:

☐ All known medical and behavioral information has been disclosed to Adopter
☐ Adopter eligibility has been verified
☐ Adoption fee has been collected
☐ Animal has been properly identified and transferred

SIGNATURES

ADOPTER:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: _________________________________

Date: _________________________________

CO-ADOPTER (if applicable):

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: _________________________________

Date: _________________________________

ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE:

Signature: _________________________________

Printed Name: _________________________________

Title: _________________________________

Date: _________________________________

EXHIBIT A: ADOPTION COUNSELOR NOTES

Animal's demeanor during meet-and-greet: [NOTES]

Special instructions discussed with Adopter: [NOTES]

Transition tips provided: [NOTES]

EXHIBIT B: ITEMS PROVIDED TO ADOPTER

☐ Medical records
☐ Vaccination certificate
☐ Spay/neuter certificate (if applicable)
☐ Microchip information
☐ Rabies certificate
☐ Behavior/training notes
☐ Starter food
☐ Leash/collar
☐ Carrier/crate
☐ Information packet
☐ Other: [SPECIFY]

This Pet Adoption Agreement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Animal shelters and rescue organizations must comply with all applicable state and local animal welfare laws. Consult with a qualified attorney before use.