I hereby acknowledge, as consideration for entering into this agreement with Arcadia Animal Rescue (or “the rescue”), receiving the above-referenced animal. 

2. I agree to provide the pet with clean water, high-quality food, adequate shelter, and kind treatment at all times. 

3. I agree to take the animal to a veterinarian for examinations and immunizations as needed, and to procure immediate veterinary care at my own expense should the animal become ill or injured. I also agree to provide and administer the appropriate monthly preventatives for flea, tick, and heartworm. 

4. Should the animal be unaltered for any reason, Arcadia Animal Rescue will assist in making arrangements for the procedure at a veterinary clinic in your area. I understand the adoption is incomplete until the procedure is completed. I will ensure the animal is not allowed in the presence of any other unaltered animals of the opposite gender. 

4a. Deliberate breeding of the animal prior to alteration nullifies the entirety of this contract and Arcadia Animal Rescue will collect the animal through a claim and delivery process or any other lawful method if I refuse to surrender the animal upon request. 

4b.  In the event that an unaltered female animal is discovered to be pregnant as a result of unknown history, I understand that the offspring are the property of Arcadia and will undergo the same formal foster/adoption process as any other Arcadia animal. In this event, Arcadia will make arrangements for the parent dog to be altered when it is medically cleared to do so. 

5. I agree to license the animal in compliance with the laws and ordinances in force where I reside.

 6. I agree I will not allow the animal to be used for medical or experimental purposes. 

7. I agree to notify Arcadia Animal Rescue if I decide at any time that I cannot keep the animal and will not surrender the animal to a shelter, animal control, another individual, or abandon the animal without allowing Arcadia Animal Rescue a minimum of two weeks to secure alternate placement or arrangements. If I cannot hold the pet for the minimum two week period, I understand I am responsible for costs associated with boarding the animal in the interim. 

I further understand that if I dispose of the animal in a manner not in compliance with this paragraph, it constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and I also agree to compensate Arcadia Animal Rescue for all expenses incurred by the rescue, including (but not limited to) filing fees, court costs, and attorney fees.

8. I agree that if I have adopted a dog, s/he must live primarily indoors and NOT be left outside, even in a fenced yard, for extended periods unsupervised. If I do not have a fenced yard, the dog will be taken outside on a leash on a regular basis for exercise and elimination needs.

General Release: 

I agree to adopt the animal from Arcadia Animal Rescue under the terms of this Agreement. I acknowledge that live animals are unpredictable and that Arcadia Animal Rescue, its past, current, and future board members, fosters, volunteers, agents, donors, and any partners, associates, attorneys, and any other related people or entities (collectively, “released parties”) cannot and have not guaranteed the health, age, temperament, breed, behavior, training, or any other condition or characteristic of the animal.

I understand that the animal may over time exhibit traits that may or may not be apparent at adoption and that none of the released parties can or has guaranteed anything about the animal’s breed. I release each and all the released parties from all claims or liability relating to any alleged erroneous statements about the animal and all other claims or liability related in any way to the animal once s/he is in my possession. I agree to indemnify the released parties for any liability or claims relating in any way to the animal and arising from events at or after the time s/he enters my possession.

Remedies for Non-Compliance: 

I understand and agree that Arcadia Animal Rescue retains the right to reclaim the pet if it is believed to be that the proper humane care as specified above is not being provided and there is just cause for concern as to the pet’s wellbeing. In that event, the rescue will seek to reclaim the animal by any means necessary, including Claim and Delivery proceeding or any other lawful means.

Full Agreement: This Agreement sets forth the entire Agreement between the Parties and fully supersedes any and all prior conversations, agreements, or understandings between the Parties pertaining to the animal. Any exceptions, addendums, or special agreements to be denoted here: [ this section to be completed only if applicable ].

Adoption fee: I/we understand that the rescue is a volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit entity that exists solely on adoption fees and donations. In many cases, the adoption fee does not cover expenses associated with having saved the animal (ie: vetting, transport, boarding, supplies, etc.). Therefore, I/we understand that even if I/we return the animal to the rescue or it is reclaimed, the adoption fees are non-refundable* as Arcadia Animal Rescue relies on these funds to immediately pay any outstanding bills or debts associated with having saved the animal. (*It is at the sole discretion of the rescue whether there are extenuating circumstances warranting a refund of any portion of the adoption fee). The rescue will however willingly provide a letter of donation to be used for tax purposes upon request.