an adoption and retirement home for dogs and cats

 

Adoption Contract

  

Rainbow Ranch

~ an adoption and retirement home for dogs and cats ~

Florida Non-Profit Corporation #N04000011339

with regional offices in the United States

PO Box 685

Candler, FL 32111-0685

rainbow_ranch@earthlink.net

352-680-1707    Fax 352-680-1807

 

Adoption Contract

THE PURPOSE OF OUR NATIONAL ADOPTION PROGRAM IS TO FIND RESPONSIBLE, LIFELONG HOMES FOR ANIMALS SUITABLE AS FAMILY PETS.  ADOPTERS MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 18 TO SIGN THIS ADOPTION APPLICATION.

This agreement is made                                                                                  2005, by and between Rainbow Ranch Pet Retirement Home, Inc. whose representative is ______________________________, and                                                                                    hereinafter referred to as the "adopter." The adopter hereby understands, promises, and agrees that in receipt of this companion animal to forever release, discharge and covenant to hold harmless rescuer and other 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 and particularity on account of the adoption of:   

Name:                                                                  Species                                                Breed:                                                

Color:                                                                   Date of Birth/Approximate Age:                          Gender:                ,

hereinafter referred to as "this companion animal.” The adopter hereby declares that no representations about the nature of the adopted companion animal, nor any representations regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or of financial responsibility have induced the adopter to sign this contract.

Rainbow Ranch acknowledges receipt of a donation in the amount of $                               (cash           check #                      made payable to Rainbow Ranch Pet Retirement Home, Inc.)  by the adopter. The adopter hereby acknowledges that the donation is not a fee or sale price, but monies to defer or reimburse rescuer for any and all medical expenses, or any other expenses incurred by the companion animal or rescuer to consider the companion animal for adoption. A copy of this signed contract will be provided to the adopter.

Spay/Neuter Agreement 

This is a contract of MANDATORY Spay/Neuter as defined herein. Any and all companion animals adopted through Rainbow Ranch will be altered (neutered or spayed). If an adopter’s adopted puppy or kitten is deemed too young by a veterinarian, the adopter will mail a copy of the paid alter invoice to Rainbow Ranch within fourteen (14) days of the alter completed at the appropriate time. If the companion animal’s health precludes altering, permanent ownership by the adopter is contingent upon a veterinary statement verifying that condition. This statement will be by the veterinarian that has seen and examined this companion animal and has evaluated this companion animal as not in emotional and/or physical condition for altering. Based on this situation, the rescuer, not the adopter, will make the decision to waive the alter requirement.

If the adopter fails to provide a copy of a paid invoice showing that the companion animal has been altered or a verifiable veterinarian’s letter stating that altering is not recommended, the adopter will acknowledge and agree that the contract has been violated and the adopter will transport the companion animal back to the rescuer with no refund.

Collars and Tags

The companion animal will not wear any pinch collar or any similar article. Choke collars will not be worn unless the companion animal is on lead, supervised and under the control of the adopter during training and then only under the guidance of a professional trainer. Appropriate minimum identification with adopter’s phone number and companion animal’s name will be adhered to collars or harnesses to help ensure return to the adopter if the companion animal strays. Rainbow Ranch respects county and state leash laws where they exist. But even where not locally regulated, the companion animal should not be allowed off lead in open spaces which are not fenced.

Rainbow Ranch recommends the use of harnesses for all small dogs, the use of collars for cats and large dogs, and further recommends properly fitted Martingale (greyhound) slip collars especially for easy-to-bolt breeds such as beagles and other scent hounds, sight hounds and miniature pinschers. Rainbow Ranch recommends that collars also include the current rabies tag, the county license, and any other tags required by the county of residence of the adopter.  Rainbow Ranch strongly recommends microchipping available at veterinary offices and/or animal control centers.

Transfer of Ownership

The companion animal 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. Once a Rainbow Ranch companion animal is placed, it always has a home with the Ranch and must be returned to a representative of Rainbow Ranch because of our commitment to no-kill. There are no exceptions. If an adopter cannot keep the companion animal, the adopter must contact Rainbow Ranch immediately so that the animal may be returned to a representative of Rainbow Ranch.

The Companion Animal’s Home and Health

The animal shall reside indoors, in the adopter’s home, and live as a member of the family and companion only. Companion animals will not be kept outdoors during the adopter’s working hours, or at any other time left alone outdoors intentionally while the adopter is not at home. The adopter will do its best to create a safe home for the companion animal. Use of crates is recommended but good judgment shall be exercised when deciding how long, what type, and so forth. Rainbow Ranch can provide guidance for new adopters desiring to learn to crate. It is further required that all feline companion animals be “indoor cats” only.

The companion animal is to have adequate food, water and shelter at all times.  The adopter shall not physically abuse the animal and never treat the animal in an inhumane manner. The companion animal is not to be left with small children at anytime when unattended by an adult. 

               Rainbow Ranch requires that all companion animals adopted as puppies begin heartworm preventative when the veterinarian recommends. Dogs shall remain on heartworm preventative indefinitely throughout 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. Companion animals shall also have yearly booster shots in keeping with the veterinarian’s recommendations.

Adult companion animals will be seen by a veterinarian within ten (10) days of the adoption date for a check up. Dogs should start the heartworm preventative program and get a fecal test done to be sure the dog is free of parasites at that check up. Cats and kittens should receive a fecal test and/or worming to ensure that they are likewise free of parasites. Rescuer reserves the right to check with the veterinarian at anytime to verify that all the basic health requirements are being met. Renewal of rabies vaccine is required by law and therefore by the terms of this contract.

Rainbow Ranch recommends that the adopter have an adequately fenced-in area for the companion animal if it is a dog. The adopter agrees that the definition of an adequate fence is a fence that encloses a yard or a large pen, larger than the outdoor kennels. 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. Therefore, the adequate type of fence does not include a split rail, electric, or invisible fence. A kennel environment is not acceptable for housing, safety, or the emotional well being of the dog. The decision on whether a home is adequately fenced will be made by the rescuer, not by the adopter. If a dog adoption is granted and there is no fence possible such as but not limited to the case of an apartment, the adopter shall not leave the canine companion animal unattended in the yard or on the exterior grounds at any time.

The companion animal will not be chained to a doghouse or chained outside to any type of object or outbuilding. The companion animal is not to live in a garage, doghouse, or any type of outbuilding.

Cosmetic Surgery

               Unless directed by a licensed veterinarian for reasons relating to the health and welfare of the companion animal, cosmetic surgery will not be performed under any circumstances, including but not limited to tail docking or ear cropping or declawing or debarking.

Transportation

The companion animal shall not remain unattended for any amount of time in any vehicle when the temperature outside is over 70 degrees even with windows down.  Rainbow Ranch strongly recommends the use of seatbelt harnesses. The adopter agrees not to transport the companion animal in an open car or truck bed.

Important Notice Temperament

Rainbow Ranch makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the companion animal. All companion animals are adopted "as is" and 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 companion animal with the basic vaccines (and, for dogs, the heartworm test) before adoption if age and current health permit. 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.    

Remedy for Non-compliance

It is agreed that rescuer shall retain legal superior title in said animal limited to and for the express purpose of assuring the animal’s well-being. Rainbow Ranch shall only exercise its superior claim in the event it appears that the proper and humane care as specified in the above adoption provisions is not being afforded the adopted companion animal, in which case the animal may be taken through a claim and delivery proceeding. The adopter further agrees that if there is any breach or default of the terms of this contract, and the companion animal 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. The adopter has read this, understands and agrees to this and is signing this contract.

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 companion animal. If the terms and conditions of this contract are not upheld by the adopter and/or any misrepresentations have been made to 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 companion animal without notice or refund. Rescuer’s reservation of rights also includes not adopting a companion animal into an area or environment that may endanger the life of the companion animal.

If the companion animal becomes lost, seriously injured, and/or permanently disfigured, or for any reason the companion animal dies, Rainbow Ranch must be notified within five (5) business days. 

Costs of Enforcement

Should it become necessary for Rainbow Ranch to take action to recover an adopted companion animal or otherwise enforce the provisions of the adoption contract agreement, the undersigned adopter(s) agree to be responsible for all court costs and all attorney fees representing either the adopter or rescuer.

Change of Address and Notification

The adopter agrees to notify Rainbow Ranch no less than ten (10) business days prior to change of address or change of environment that will affect the companion animal, and no less than five (5) business days after any incident involving animal control and/or complaints arising from said ownership of the dog.

Unexpected Death of the Adopter

In the event of the death of the adopter, any companion animal from Rainbow Ranch may come back to the Ranch if there is no family member or friend willing to take the companion animal. In that event, Rainbow Ranch is to be notified immediately so that arrangements may be made to bring the companion animal back into rescue. Rainbow Ranch asks that the adopter’s estate or surviving person pay for all fees incurred in returning said companion animal(s) to Rainbow Ranch. Rainbow Ranch is a no-kill shelter unless euthanasia is medically necessary when a companion animal begins to suffer with a terminal illness or condition. Any companion animal coming back into Rainbow Ranch is guaranteed a safe and loving home. If a family member or friend of the deceased wishes to assume guardianship of the companion animal, that person must inform Rainbow Ranch that the companion animal is in his or her home so that this contract may be transferred with the companion animal for its continued health and safety. 

Adopter’s Acknowledgment of Terms

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the above described animal and in so doing agree to the terms of this contract:

Signed this                                                           day of                                                , in the year                        ,  

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Adopter Signature(s)

(please print name(s):                                                                                                                                                              

Adopter’s Address:                                                                                                                                                                   

City:                                                                                                    State and Zip Code:                                                    

Home Phone:                                                                                     Work Phone:                                                               

 

Rainbow Ranch’s Acknowledgment of Terms

On behalf of Rainbow Ranch Pet Retirement Home, Incorporated, I hereby acknowledge adoption and release of the above described animal to the adopter and in so doing agree to the terms of this contract:

Signed this                                                           day of                                                , in the year                        .

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Rainbow Ranch Representative’s Signature(s)

(please print name(s):                                                                                                                                                               

Regional Office Address:                                                                                                                                                          

City:                                                                                                    State and Zip Code:                                                    

Home Phone:                                                                                     Work Phone:                                                               


Remarks:                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Thank you for your interest in a homeless companion!

Rainbow Ranch is an all volunteer no-kill (except when euthanasia is the kindest and only decision when an animal is suffering) non-profit shelter and rescue effort of Rainbow Ranch Pet Retirement Home, Inc. which is registered with the State of Florida as corporation # N04000011339.

 

The text and design of this contract are under Copyright 2005 Rainbow Ranch Pet Retirement Home, Inc.





Rainbow Ranch
an adoption and retirement home for cats and dogs
P.O. Box 685
Candler, Florida 32111-0685
Phone:  352-680-1707
FAX:  352-680-1807
Email:  rainbow_ranch@earthlink.net

     (a registered  501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization)