• Dog Adoption Contract

    Dog Adoption Contract

    This contract is made between the adopter and El Paso County Canine Rescue (EPCCR)
  • Personal Information

  • Date of Birth*
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  • Physical Characteristics of the Pet

  • Color(s) select all that apply:*

  • Current Size of dog you are adopting*
  • I understand that if there are abnormalities present in the pet, they will be disclosed to me in writing.*
  • Adoption Details

  • Date of Adoption*
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  • Date of Possession*
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  • EPCCR terms of contract are as follows:

  • Please read each provision carefully and sign below to acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms and conditions contained within this agreement:

    I agree to pay a NON-refundable, NON- transferable adoption fee. I acknowledge that I am responsible for veterinarian and medical expenses after adoption and the EPCCR is not financially responsible for any expenses after adoption.

    I acknowledge that the animal (hereafter referred to as "the dog") is adopted "as is" and that no implied or expressed warranties have been made by EPCCR in reference to breed, health, training, or temperament of the dog. (EPCCR provides the information it has about the dog, including any vaccination or veterinary records but cannot certify to the completeness or accuracy of such documentation.)

    I agree to take the dog to a licensed veterinarian for a wellness examination within fourteen (14) days of adoption. I agree to provide the dog with prompt veterinary care in the event of illness or injury. I further agree to keep the dog current on all vaccinations and preventive veterinary care as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

    EPCCR's dogs are typically affectionate and friendly, and EPCCR will not place a dog known to be of an unsound temperament. However, no one can predict how any dog will react in a given situation, especially without complete knowledge of the dog's life experiences. Therefore, EPCCR strongly urges the Adopter to exercise prudence and caution in introducing the dog into a new situation (for example, introductions with other animals, dog parks, stores, groomers, vets offices, other home, other people and small children) until the dog has been fully adjusted to its new environment and the Adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality. I accept all responsibility and liability for all interactions with people and other animals.

    I understand and agree that the dog shall not be sold, given to, placed in the care of, offered or delivered for adoption to another person, organization, or any other entity including, but not limited to a family member, friend, rescue facility, research facility, or shelter without first notifying EPCCR. If, at any time and for any reason, I am unable to care for the dog, you must immediately notify EPCCR. EPCCR reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reclaim possession of the dog or approve an alternative placement.

    The dog will be treated as a family member with loving care and affection. I will not transport my dog in an open car (such as the back of a truck bed even if caged). I will do my best to ensure the dog's safety and well-being.
    I will feed the dog at least twice daily and provide a fresh supply of water at all times.

    The dog will live inside my home and will not be isolated from the family. I will walk the dog on a leash or provide exercise in a fenced area. I will never let the animal run loose or roam, keep the dog chained or tied up, keep it continuously in a yard, garage, patio, balcony, or pen, or leave the dog outdoors, even in a fenced yard, when no one is at home. The dog may be crated for no longer than eight (8) hours at a time. The crate must be large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lay comfortably on his/her side.

    I agree that I currently and will always have and maintain a fenced yard at the home where the dog will be or I understand that I must demonstrate to EPCCR an ability to properly exercise and keep the animal safe (leashed) during urination/defecation. The dog shall not be allowed to run loose in an un-fenced area. I understand that EPCCR's goal is that the dog is kept as a close companion with its family and it should be in a home where it will be sleeping indoors (i.e. inside the family home) and not left outdoors. I agree to always give EPCCR's goal priority in considering the dog's living arrangements.

    I understand that the dog that I am adopting is a rescue dog with a largely unknown background. This dog may have come from a region of the country that has fleas, ticks, and multiple types of parasitic worms. I understand that the rescue proprietors may be unaware of infestation in the dog, but that if they are aware they have treated the dog to rid it of any parasites that may be present. I understand that parasitic worms are endemic to Colorado and it is possible for the dog to become re-infested following treatment. I know the importance of heartworm and the need for testing yearly.
    I will consult with a certified animal trainer prior to the application or usage of prong, choke-type, or electric training collars.

    I will attach a personal identification tag to a non-choke collar to be worn at all times.

    In the event that the dog becomes lost, I will immediately notify EPCCR.

    I authorize any animal control agency to release the dog back to EPCCR if the dog is found running at large or is brought to a shelter facility for any reason if I am not picking up the dog myself. I understand that EPCCR may not return the dog to my care if there has been any visual or reported signs of abuse/neglect. It however is EPCCR'S full intent to reunite a dog with their loving owner.

    All dogs are microchipped prior to adoption. The dog's microchip will have EPCCR's contact information (address, phone number, or email address) as a secondary contact, owner as primary contact. I agree and will not remove or alter EPCCR's contact information from the dog's microchip. In the event that the microchip stops working or comes out after implantation or the microchip cannot be found with a scanner, I agree to notify EPCCR without delay so that a new microchip may be implanted.

    I will not abuse or neglect the dog or allow it to be abused or neglected. I authorize EPCCR, at its sole discretion, to determine whether or not the animal has been abused or neglected while in my possession and to institute re-possession proceedings.

    The dog shall not participate in or be trained as a guard dog or fighting dog, nor shall he/she be used for any purpose other than companionship. I will not allow any physical, mental, or emotional abuse of the dog.

    I will NOT leave the dog alone with small children.

    I affirm that no member of my household has been convicted or charged with any animal welfare law violation such as hoarding, unsanitary housing conditions, neglect, cruelty, abandonment, etc. I affirm that no member of my household has been convicted or charged with any domestic battery or sex crime.

    I am taking possession of the dog at my own risk and I release EPCCR and its staff, paid or volunteer of any liability arising out of possession of the dog. I hereby release EPCCR and its staff, paid or volunteer, of any responsibility of damages that may be caused by the dog to people or property, real or otherwise.


    I will ensure compliance with all applicable local ordinances and state statutes regarding ownership of the dog to include vaccines and county licensure. If I am charged with violating any such ordinance or statute while in possession of the dog, I understand that EPCCR is not responsible for obtaining legal counsel for me or for paying any fines or penalties assessed.
    I understand that EPCCR will not be held liable for any damage or loss resulting from the failure of the dog to respond to any commands taught to the dog or resulting from counseling advice supplied to the Adopter. In the event any behavioral concerns arise, the Adopter shall immediately notify EPCCR. Should any behavior of the dog result in damage to property, the Adopter, or another person or animal while in the possession of the Adopter, the Adopter agrees to assume full liability for any and all damage/s, and to absolve EPCCR from any and all obligations to pay damages to third parties.
    I understand that EPCCR shall not be held responsible for any bodily injuries or property damage and/or damage to other animals caused by the dog or by the actions of the Adopter. The Adopter hereby specifically assumes sole responsibility for the actions of the dog or the Adopter that may result in bodily or materiel damages. I, as the Adopter, hereby release EPCCR and all staff and personnel from any and all liability associated with such damages.

    I acknowledge and agree that animal bites or other injuries to humans and/or other animals do occur and that all animals can carry and transmit parasites and diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans. I understand that EPCCR will not be held responsible for the transmission of any disease or parasite to other animals or people in the adopting household as EPCCR has made every effort to provide vaccination and anti-parasitics prior to adoption.

    I agree that any legal action pertaining to this agreement shall be heard in El Paso County Court (or its small claims division), Colorado. In the event that EPCCR must file legal action to recover possession of the dog, I voluntarily waive my right to attend a show cause hearing under Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 411 and agree that the Court has the authority to issue a pre-judgement order of possession of the dog to EPCCR without the necessity of posting a bond.
    I agree that part of the consideration for allowing me to adopt the dog is my agreement not to disparage EPCCR or its foster or adoption programs, practices, or procedures.

    I acknowledge that breach of this agreement will result in travel costs, court costs, and attorney fees payable by me if legal action or travel is necessary for EPCCR to recover the dog. I understand that the dog has intrinsic value and is not replaceable, so if the dog is euthanized, lost, or otherwise unable to be returned to EPCCR due to the negligence or intent of the Adopter to circumvent EPCCR's right to re-possess the dog, I will be in breach of this agreement and will be subject to pay damages to EPCCR in the amount of $3,500.00 in addition to all attorney's fees and costs and actual damages incurred as a result.

    I grant EPCCR permission to use photos and/or videos of me, my family, and/or my adopted pet on our social media, website, and newsletters to help promote rescue and adoption. I understand these photos may be used without compensation, and I release EPCCR from any claims related to their use.

    I understand and agree to all terms and conditions detailed within this contract and I am signing this contract myself and in good faith.

    I understand that the dog's known background and medical history will be relayed to me via email. I understand that EPCCR is making no representation concerning the health, condition, training, behavior, or temperament of the dog.
    I understand that any description of breed is what a veterinarian has listed and I have been advised to cognizant of any breed specific legislation in my region. Be advised, EPCCR will not provide DNA testing prior to adoption. I will be provided with a copy of the dog's health/medical records upon completion of adoption.

    I understand that by voluntarily signing this agreement, I am entering into a legal and binding contract with EPCCR. I understand that any misrepresentations in my application or agreement are cause for EPCCR to declare this agreement in breach.

  • Please read each point and select each box to indicate that you have read and understand each point.*
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