Adoption Agreement

Contact Information

First Name*

Last Name*

Address

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code
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Email*

Cell Phone

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Canine's Name:*

Adoption fees help cover the medical care of the Puppy/Dog while he or she waits for a new home, as well as food, microchip and transportation costs. The adoption fee, transport fee and health certificate costs are NOT REFUNDABLE under any circumstances. *

You understand that this Puppy/Dog was previously unwanted or lost and may have been rescued by us from a dangerous, unhealthy and/or cruel situation. This could have long-lasting effects on the Puppy/Dog. You agree that we are making no warranties about the condition, personality, or temperament of the Puppy/ Dog though we have shared all the information and knowledge we have through observation and vet checks. You accept the Puppy/Dog and release any CCF personnel and volunteers from any and all claims against them for any veterinary expenses incurred, or for any injury or damages the Puppy/Dog may inflict.*

You understand CCF cannot guarantee age and breed of any dog. All age and breed information is based on observation, behavior, veterinarian exam, owner surrender information, and parent animal's lineage if available.*

All our puppies have had all age-appropriate vaccines prior to transport. They have a Bordetella vaccine to protect from Kennel Cough but this does not prevent all strains of kennel cough any more than our flu vaccine protects us against every strain of the flu. Please understand that puppies can often be very stressed from their transport and their change in living conditions, which can compromise their immune system. Between stress and the compromised immune system it is very common for them to get Coccidia. This is an internal parasite that can only be treated, never cured. (ALL dogs in the world have this, but it lies dormant until stress triggers the parasite to multiply.) It is easily treated. Climate change is another consideration when transporting puppies from the South to the North. The stress of transportation and adjustment to new living conditions can weaken their immune system, making them susceptible to Upper Respiratory Infections. If left untreated, these infections can progress to Pneumonia. It's important to promptly address any signs of a cough, sneezing, watery eyes, or a runny nose, as early treatment is crucial in managing the condition while it is still in the Upper Respiratory Infection stage. All of our dogs and puppies are de-wormed regularly from the time they come into rescue until adoption. Internal parasites (worms) are extremely common in rescue dogs, even though they have been de-wormed prior to adoption. In warmer climates microscopic parasite eggs survive year-round and contaminate the environment, especially in shelter situations where there is a high density of dogs. You should talk with your vet about continuing routine de-worming for your new Puppy/Dog and understand that worms can reoccur. Once detected, most worms are easily treated. The health certificate is signed by a vet AFTER a physical exam is performed and there is no sign of any health issues. Most health issues require an incubation period. If anyone (canine/human/feline) is incubating for any disease there is no way to recognize that until symptoms are presenting. If your Puppy/Dog shows signs of lethargy or has diarrhea and/or vomiting, contact us AND your vet immediately. These symptoms combined can be life-threatening if medical care is not sought immediately. *

You agree to love and care for the Puppy/Dog for the entirety of his or her life. You will treat the Puppy/Dog as a household pet, companion, and family member, and not leave the Puppy/Dog chained or confined for extended periods of time. You agree never to use the Puppy/Dog for dog fighting or promote aggressive "guard dog" characteristics. You agree to keep the Puppy/Dog clean and de-matted at all times and provided with fresh water and wholesome dog food. You agree not to dock the Puppy's/Dog's tail, crop the Puppy's/Dog's ears, defang, and/or debark the Puppy/Dog.*

You agree to have the Puppy/Dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of adoption and not less than yearly, thereafter. In case of illness or injury, you agree to seek prompt veterinary care. At this visit, consult with your veterinarian about the best time to give your Puppy/Dog a Lyme vaccine and booster, and also procure the necessary doses of heartworm preventative for the dog. You agree to keep all required vaccinations current, including but not limited to rabies, distemper, and parvo, and to ensure that the Puppy/Dog receives preventative medication to protect against fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms. You consent to our inquiring with your veterinarian about the Puppy/Dog the first year after the adoption, and must update us via email with updated information should you change veterinarians. *

You understand this is a lifelong commitment for the life of the Puppy/Dog and agree not to abandon, give away, sell, or dispose of the Puppy/Dog in any way, and to notify us immediately at any time you determine you no longer want to, or no longer can, keep the Puppy/Dog so that we have the opportunity to take the Puppy/Dog back to arrange another adoption. You agree that you will never surrender the Puppy/Dog to an animal shelter of any kind under any circumstances. You agree that you cannot euthanize the Puppy/Dog except in the case that the Puppy's/Dog's terminal illness or injury or old age accompanied by pain and suffering, and in that case, the euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. You acknowledge that obedience training and behavioral issues may arise with your newly adopted pet, such as biting, destruction, escapism, fearfulness, separation anxiety, and dominance, which could potentially lead to considering surrendering your pet. Therefore, you agree to promptly contact an obedience trainer for guidance if necessary and to follow all recommendations provided. You agree that if for any reason during the first year that the Puppy/Dog needs to return to rescue, you will contact CCF as soon as possible regarding any issues you are experiencing. You understand that you will have to hold the dog at least until the next transport, while the rescue tries to find a foster home and/or new home for the dog. If you cannot hold, you agree to pay 30 days of boarding for the dog at a kennel. After one year from adoption I understand that CCF does not guarantee that they will accept my dog back into the rescue.*

You agree to ensure that the microchip information is up to date and make a sincere effort to locate the Puppy/Dog if it goes missing. This may involve taking various actions, such as filing lost dog reports with relevant authorities, posting signs and ads, and utilizing local lost and found resources. You are also encouraged to seek additional guidance from CCF when needed.*

The Canine Compassion Fund, associated personnel and volunteers are not liable for any claims, legal actions, losses, injuries, damages, costs, expenses, or liabilities whatsoever in connection with your pick-up, adoption, or ownership of the Puppy/Dog.*

The Adopter shall comply with any and all local, county and state regulations and laws relating to the ownership, care, feeding, transportation, quarantine, and sheltering of puppy/dog, and shall at all times maintain a current license for puppy/dog. *

This agreement is by and between The Canine Compassion Fund, Inc. (CCF) and the undersigned adopter regarding the adoption of the canine described herein. Adopter agrees that all future expenses, including vet care/medical expense, are adopter's responsibility. If adopter is in violation of any of the terms of this legally binding contract, CCF reserves the right to repossess the canine with no refund of the adoption fee. Furthermore, adopter agrees to be held financially responsible for any fees and/or court costs incurred by CCF during repossession. This is a legally binding agreement. *

Signature of Applicant (typing your name here acts as signature):*

If you are adopting a dog rather than a puppy…read below for some thoughts that might help you understand the transition your new pup is about to make. Think about it for a minute. Most shelter dogs were abandoned or surrendered. They had a family, sometimes for many years. They were surrounded by familiar securities. They were loved, cared for, taken for walks and sleeping in their own snuggly bed. Then one day, everything changed. Their owner put their leash on and took them to the car and they went for a ride, the way they had done so many times before. Only this time, they left him in some strange place, with strange people and they never, ever came back. Then again, maybe the life of the dog you adopted was never great. Maybe they were never loved and always unwanted, eventually dumped on the side of a road somewhere and forced to live as a stray, struggling to survive on the streets, getting yelled at and chased away by strangers who didn’t care. Or maybe the dog had an abusive or neglectful owner and was rescued or confiscated and taken to a shelter. Even if the dog was taken to a great shelter, where it was treated with kindness and lovingly nursed back to health, the trauma of what they suffered does not just evaporate and the confines of a strange new environment surrounded by strange people can be terrifying. Then, even if the animal is adopted into a loving home, there’s a lot of stress associated with going though even more change with yet another new place and even more strange faces. The ability to trust and to feel safe is understandably challenged. Remember: As the new pet parent, you made the choice to bring them into your life. So, try to accept them for who they are and work with them to find common ground rather than expecting them to conform to what you want. Prove to them they are worth your effort and you won’t just give up on them, like everyone else.

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