As an adopter with HFHD, I agree to the following adoption policies:
This agreement is entered into this date by and between the New England Humane Society DBA The Hotel for Homeless Dogs "HFHD" and the applicant ("Adopter") for the adoption of the above identified rescue dog/cat.
- I am 18 years of age or older and have provided identification showing my present address, and I own my home or have landlord consent to adopt this animal.
- I agree to provide this animal with adequate food and fresh water, shelter from the elements, daily exercise, and kind treatment always.
- I agree not to give away, sell or trade this animal, nor will I take this animal to a shelter or otherwise abandon it. I agree to contact The Hotel immediately if I can no longer care for or keep this animal.
- I agree to obey all animal regulations governing the area in which I agree to provide the animal with all recommended veterinary care, including monthly heartworm prevention and annual vaccinations. I further agree to provide the animal with prompt veterinary care if it becomes ill or injured.
- Adopter agrees to have the dog/cat examined by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year and provide for all vaccinations and treatments necessary to ensure good health. If euthanasia becomes necessary, Adopter agrees to have it performed by a licensed veterinarian.
- Adopter agrees to pay HFHD an adoption fee per listed on the animal’s profile. The amount of $100 is refundable provided the adopter personally returns the living dog/cat to HFHD within seven (7) days of its adoption and releases HFHD of any further liability. This is non-negotiable.
- HFHD makes no guarantees or statements regarding the animal's age, breed, health, or temperament. While HFHD has made every effort to provide accurate history and assessment of the animal, HFHD is not able to guarantee the animals’ age, breed, medical status, behavior, or disposition. HFHD is available for consultation, advice and assistance pertaining to the health, training, and compatibility of the animal. Adopter agrees to release HFHD and its members or representatives of all possible claims arising from injury or damage caused by the animal to any person or property. Adopter accepts this dog/cat as is with all defects, either observable or unobservable, and assumes all risk for the dog/cat upon signing of this contract.
- Upon taking custody of the animal, the Adopter(s) assumes responsibility for the dog’s/cat’s actions and shall hold HFHD and its representatives FREE from all claims for personal injury to others, and/or property damage associated with the adoption.
Adopter indicates that they have read and accept the terms of this agreement. HFHD reserves the right to immediately remove and reclaim the dog/cat from the Adopter(s) if any of the above conditions are violated in any way or it is found that the dog/cat is being abused, neglected, or mistreated. If HFHD removes and reclaims the dog/cat, Adopter shall pay HFHD all costs associated with the removal and reclamation, including but not limited to, veterinary bills, attorney bills, and any court costs.
- Parasite Disclosure: Your animal has likely had a history with intestinal parasites. These can include but are not limited to Tapeworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Roundworms. All dogs have been treated. Parasites can return for up to a year even with repeated treatment. Parasites are contagious to humans and other animals. You will need to take your dog with a fecal sample and their records to your vet in 2 weeks and will need to re-treat if necessary. Until then, make the proper precautions assuming they may be positive despite treatment.
- Surrender Policy: HFHD takes great care to match dogs and cats with just the right family so they can remain in their new homes for life. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions, the match isn't ideal, or life circumstances prevent the pet staying in the home. We will always take a HFHD dog back into our care. Depending on circumstances and length of time od adoption, an assessment may be required. Medical Requirements: All animals must be current on vaccinations, spay/neutered and must have a heart worm test within 30 days. Records must be provided to HFHD prior to the pet being surrendered.
PUPPY WAIVER
Our goal at HFHD is to ensure you and your puppy have a happy and healthy first few months. Puppies are extremely vulnerable to infectious disease during their first several months. For that reason, we ask that you review the following:
Information for the first four weeks at home:
- The first four weeks your puppy is home they should be staying close to home with limited outside socialization. They are still building up immunity (vaccines take 2-3 weeks to provide full immunity) and they are still at risk from exposure.
- NO dog parks, doggy daycare, doggy play groups, or pet stores.
Socialization with pets within your household is safe and healthy for your puppy.
- Crate Training: we highly recommend crate training your pup. Crates provide your puppy with their own safe place in your home. Your puppy is used to living with a pack and has not begun full crate training yet. The first few nights home alone may be a bit of a struggle. Depending on age, staying in a crate may not be ideal if they are too young to hold it all night. Place the crate in a room/location where your puppy feels close to his/her new family. Ideally near a bed where someone is sleeping. You can move this crate to a more neutral place in the future but being close is important for a new pup that is learning to sleep on their own. Do not leave water in the crate, this will only disrupt their schedule and increase their need to pee at night. Purchase a crate that allows our pup to stand, stretch and turn around. Feeding your puppy in his/her crate during the day is a great way for them to learn that the crate is a great! The more your puppy sees his/her crate as a warm, safe, happy place the better.
- It is ok to give your puppy toys (no rope toys or edible toys). A frozen Kong or a lick mat may be a nice treat.
- The puppies have been eating Bil Jac Dry Puppy food as well as Nutro Puppy wet food. Currently the pups have been eating 3x a day.
If you would like to change your puppy to another food, we suggest purchasing a small bag of Bil Jac Puppy. You will need to mix in your new brand of food with the Bil Jac as you transition. Start with 1/3 of a serving and slowly increase. This may take 1-2 weeks to fully transition. Canned Pumpkin will help reduce any tummy trouble as you transition. Make sure it is 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin is also good for meals after puppy shots and annual deworming.
- Your puppy has been learning to go potty outside; however, they are little and still learning that outside is the place to do their business. Puppies typically can “hold” their business for the # of hours equal to their age. So, a 12-week-old puppy has a max “hold” of about 3 hours. Begin prompting your puppy to go out regularly – every 2-3 hours.
Create a safe space where your puppy can play and use pads. We prefer the Target brand pads. We generally place a double layer of pads on the floor for added protection. Allow the puppy out only when supervised.
- Training – We encourage your family and your pup attend a training program. This is especially important for families with small children, as it helps your children and your puppy learn how to safely live and play together.
SPAY/NEUTER CLAUSE
It is strictly against New England Humane Society's (HFHD) policy to let a dog leave our care without first being spayed or neutered. The only exception to the policy is in the case of puppies which are too young to undergo surgery before they are adopted. In that case, the adopter is required to adhere to the terms below.
Your adoption fee of $750.00 includes a deposit of $100.00 for mandatory spay/neuter. This portion of your adoption fee will be refunded to you upon request and receipt of verification that this dog has been spayed or neutered.
Permanent adoption of is contingent upon your compliance with this agreement. Proof of spay/neuter must be received by the HFHD within fourteen (14) days after the surgery. If the dog’s health does not allow this agreement to be honored by the agreed-upon date, HFHD must be provided with a written statement from your veterinarian that this dog is not yet in physical or emotional condition for surgery.
The spay/neuter deadline date specified below will be amended to the date your veterinarian deems appropriate and safe. All other terms and conditions of the Adoption Contract and this Addendum will remain in full force and effect.
It is the responsibility of Adopter, not the veterinarian, to ensure that HFHD has received verification that the surgery has been performed. Failure to comply with this agreement by the date below, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, will be considered a breach of the Adoption Contract, and Adopter agrees to transport this dog back to HFHD within five (5) days. It is understood and agreed that Adopter will not be entitled to a refund of the adoption fee.
By signing below, I agree to have this dog spayed/neutered no later than 7 months of age. I understand that this spay/neuter agreement is a commitment that this dog will not produce a litter of puppies, either as purposely bred or by accidental breeding. I also agree that should puppy not be altered I will return puppy as agreed above and without refund of my adoption fee.
By signing below, you agree to all the terms of this agreement.