Companion Adoption Application and Contract

As a trainer who is experienced in fear and force free methods as well as trauma informed, the intention of finding adoptive homes for animals in "Sally's Safe Haven" is to ensure that adopters will be receiving a pet that will be compatible to the lifestyle and personality of any or all humans in the home. 

Adoption consideration will be based upon the needs of the animal and the answers provided in this application, to ensure that matches will be the best that they can be! Although we have specified a desired adoption fee in this application and contract, this is negotiable for the right home.

Filling out or signatures on this application are required but do not guarantee approval and placement of a pet. Applications for a particular pet will be considered only if the application indicates compatibility with the needs of the particular animal.

Please understand that these requirements are not intended to exclude any home, if a placement is going to be the best for the animal, yet financial amounts set within the application and contract would be a burden to the potential adopter, negotiations can be considered, and the contract will reflect the changes. Also, if you can afford more, it will help us help more animals moving forward! Rescue is not cheap, it is often far more expensive than the adoption fee we are asking.

I/We understand that filling out this form is not a commitment to adopting a companion. An interview process may be required prior to considerations for adopting.

This form will not be seen as a binding contract until an animal has been placed into the adopter's care, and the adoption fee and any deposits towards neutering the animal are delivered to Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer. By signing this form, I/We agree that once the adoption fee and any deposit are given, and I/we have been given possession of the animal, the terms of the contract as set forth below are legal and binding. 

I/We further agree that any adoption fee is non-refundable and complete. If an animal is returned to Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer after 30 days from adoption date, a surrender fee of $250 will be required to cover associated costs with reassuming responsibility of the animal.

I/We agree that if at any time after adoption I/We are unable to continue ownership of this animal for any reason I/We will contact Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer to discuss options for reassigning ownership prior to doing so or surrendering to a shelter or rescue. I/We further agree that we will compensate Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer in the amount of $400 or the total of expenses accumulated in reclaiming the animal, whichever amount is greater, if failure to contact Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer and making alternate arrangements to reassign ownership of this animal results in the animal being picked up as a stray or surrendered to a shelter or rescue organization.

Deposits for neutering will be refunded only when Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer has been provided with proof that the animal was neutered or spayed. Failure to do so will result in removal of the pet from the home. Additionally, if an intact pet is picked up as a stray or as a loose animal by animal control or law enforcement prior to surgical neutering (exceptions may apply) the adopter agrees to forfeit ownership, the deposit, and pay any additional expenses incurred by Christi Chapman to recover the animal and complete the neutering, including but not limited to boarding, transportation/travel, and/or veterinary expenses.

Signing below binds me to these agreements as listed above, only upon assuming possession and transfer of ownership to my name from Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer. 

Failure to sign in all indicated areas, and completely fill out the application will result in the applicant being denied for adoption. 

• To provide adequate food and other items deemed necessary according to the advice of a trainer and/or veterinarian to address all mental and emotional needs and physical wellness. 
• To provide fresh clean water at all times. 
• To provide shelter for outdoor times with adequate protection from the elements.
• To provide companion with agency. This means giving them choices regarding indoor and outdoor times, access to shelter options when outdoors, when and with whom to interact when it is reasonable. We understand there are times when this is not possible, but care should be given when restricting and limiting choices in these areas. 
• To provide a safe and secure environment for companion. 
• To seek the advice or assistance of a veterinarian, preferably one who utilizes fear and force free methods, in medical situations, and to follow that advice or assitance to the best of the adopter's ability.
• To seek the advice or assitance from a certified trainer when behavioral problems arise, who is a member or graduate of one of the following organizations, or follows the ethos of them: Pet Professional Guild, Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers, Karen Pryor Acedemy, Victoria Stillwell Academy, or Grisha Stewart Academy, or another institution aligned with their methods.
• If the animal I/we adopt is intact at the time of adoption for any reason, I/We agree to submit a deposit in the amount of $350 to be refunded upon providing verification of the surgical neutering, and I/we agree to prevent this animal from having contact with any other intact animals in order to prevent pregnancy. 
• If the adopted animal is still intact and is picked up as a stray or as a loose animal by animal control or law enforcement prior to surgical neutering (exceptions may apply) the adopter agrees to forfeit ownership, the deposit, and pay any additional expenses incurred by Christi Chapman to recover the animal and complete the neutering, including but not limited to boarding, transportation/travel, and/or veterinary expenses.
• To notify Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer of any change in contact information so that microchip information is kept up to date and current in the event the companion is separated from the adopter in a natural disaster, catastrophic event, or accident. This is to ensure the safety and emotional well being of your companion should this occur.
• To not have the dog attack-trained nor shall I use it for any purpose other than companionship. I will not have the dog’s ears cropped nor will I have its tail docked. I will never allow any physical, mental, or emotional abuse of the dog, including the use of a shock collar, e-collar, prong collar or other aversive training devises and methods.
• I/We understand that there is no guarantee of any kind as to the health, temperament, training or age of the Pet. I/We understand that Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer, its agents and employees make no representation or guarantee of any kind, either explicitly or implicitly, as to the health, temperamental, or mental disposition of the Pet.
• I/we accept that the adoption fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Adopter(s) agrees that in the event that the Pet is returned more than 21 days after the signing of this agreement, then Adopter will pay a surrender donation of $250 or other agreed upon amount to help Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer defray the costs of re-assuming care for the pet.
• To not, under any circumstances transfer permanent custody, ownership or possession of the companion to anyone, including family or friends or any entity or agency, without prior written approval of Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer.
• Release of Liability: The Adopter, and for his/her spouse or partner, heirs, executors, personal representatives and assigns, agrees never to bring a claim or suit against Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer. The Adopter releases Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer and any agents, representatives, contractors, volunteers, successors and assigns from all liability arising from the adoption or behavior or actions of the Pet. The Adopter understands that this agreement discharges Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer and any agents, representatives, contractors, volunteers, successors and assigns from any liability to the Adopter and his/her spouse, heirs, executors and assigns, with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other loss that may result from the adoption or behavior or activities of the Pet. The Adopter releases Christi Chapman and any agents, representatives, contractors, volunteers, successors and assigns from any liability for Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer's own negligence or liability that may result in bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other loss to the Adopter.
• Indemnity Agreement: The Adopter, and for his/her spouse, heirs, executors, personal representatives, and assigns, agrees to indemnify and hold Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer harmless for all bodily injury, personal injury, illness, amputation, scarring, death, property damage or other losses, including attorney’s fees and costs of litigation, that result to anyone else or any other entity because of the Adopter’s negligence or liability. This includes lone acts or omissions by the Adopter as well as the combined acts of the Adopter with others.

By signing this document, I/We agree to be considered as approved adopters. 

Further, having signed this document, we agree that upon meeting the following three criteria:

1. Assuming posession of an animal, and any veterinary or microchip records from Christi Chapman, Professional Dog Trainer and
2. Giving an agreed upon adoption fee and
3. If required, giving a $350 deposit (dogs) for receiving an intact pet which will be fully refunded upon showing proof of surgical neuter by a licensed veterinarian within the required and pre-determined time frame

the ownership of the animal will transfer immediately and I/we will consider the terms of this contract as binding and legal.