Adoption Agreement, Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement
This Adoption Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Happy Hounds Animal Rescue ("Happy Hounds") and the undersigned adopter ("Adopter"). Upon execution of this Agreement and completion of the adoption, ownership of the animal identified in this contract shall transfer to the Adopter, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
1. Adoption of Animal "As-Is"
The Adopter understands and agrees that the adopted animal is accepted "as-is" and with no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding age, breed, temperament, health, training, behavior, suitability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The exact date of birth, breed, health history, and background of rescued animals are often unknown. Due to the nature of animal rescue work, Happy Hounds cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information provided regarding the animal's history, health, or behavior prior to coming into our program. The Adopter acknowledges that no health guarantee is provided.
2. Veterinary Care and Health Responsibilities
The Adopter agrees to promptly establish veterinary care for the adopted animal and is strongly encouraged to schedule a veterinary examination shortly after adoption. The Adopter understands the animal may have been exposed to illnesses or diseases that may not show symptoms for days or weeks after adoption, certain illnesses may be contagious to other animals or humans, future medical conditions may arise that were unknown at the time of adoption, and that all veterinary expenses incurred after adoption are solely the responsibility of the Adopter. The Adopter agrees to provide all necessary veterinary care, including but not limited to: routine wellness examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, emergency medical care, diagnostic testing, medications, any medically necessary treatment.
Failure to have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian within ten (10) days of adoption may void any consideration for an exchange request.
3. Humane Care Requirements
The Adopter agrees to provide the animal with adequate food and clean water at all times, safe and appropriate shelter, necessary veterinary care, humane treatment and companionship, as well as appropriate exercise and enrichment as needed. The Adopter agrees to neither abuse, neglect, abandon, nor otherwise mistreat the animal. The animal shall be maintained solely as a companion domesticated household pet and shall not be used for fighting, breeding, research, or any unlawful purpose.
4. Training and Behavioral Responsibility
The Adopter acknowledges that the animal may require training, socialization, behavioral modification, or adjustment to its new environment. The Adopter accepts full responsibility for any needed training, conditioning, socialization, and/or behavioral management. The Adopter agrees to seek professional assistance when necessary and understands that Happy Hounds cannot guarantee behavior, temperament, or compatibility with people, children, or other animals.
5. Physical Alterations
The Adopter agrees not to physically alter the animal's appearance except when medically necessary and recommended by a licensed veterinarian. Prohibited cosmetic procedures include, but are not limited to: declawing, ear cropping, and tail docking.
6. Compliance with Laws
The Adopter agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations concerning animal ownership, including the laws of the State of Oklahoma and any local jurisdiction in which the animal resides.
7. Lost Animal
If the animal becomes lost, the Adopter agrees to make every reasonable effort to recover the animal, including contacting local shelters and animal control agencies, updating microchip information, posting lost pet notices, utilizing available recovery resources, as well as contacting Happy Hounds directly.
8. No Sale or Transfer for Profit
The Adopter agrees not to sell, auction, trade, barter, or otherwise transfer the animal for monetary gain.
9. Rehoming and Return Policy
The Adopter acknowledges that adoption is intended to provide the animal with a permanent, lifelong home. If the Adopter is unable to retain the animal at any time, the Adopter must immediately notify Happy Hounds, which shall have the right of first refusal. Happy Hounds may, in its sole discretion and subject to available resources, accept the animal back into its program; however, acceptance is not guaranteed. If Happy Hounds is unable to accept the animal, it will discuss appropriate alternative placement options with the Adopter.
10. Refunds and Exchanges
All adoption fees are non-refundable. No refunds shall be issued under any circumstances. Requests for exchange of the adopted animal for another animal will be considered solely at the discretion of Happy Hounds on a case-by-case basis. No exchange will be considered due to health reasons if the animal has not been examined by a licensed veterinarian within ten (10) days of adoption.
11. Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk
In consideration of being permitted to adopt the animal identified above, the Adopter hereby releases, waives, discharges, and holds harmless Happy Hounds Animal Rescue and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to the adoption, ownership, possession, care, or conduct of the animal.
The Adopter understands and acknowledges the animal may have unknown medical conditions, behavioral traits, or prior experiences. The animal may cause injury, illness, property damage, or other losses. Happy Hounds makes no guarantees regarding health, behavior, temperament, training, or suitability. The Adopter assumes all risks associated with ownership and care of the animal. The Adopter agrees that any loss, injury, illness, damage, expense, or liability resulting from ownership of the animal shall be borne solely by the Adopter.
12. Indemnification
The Adopter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Happy Hounds Animal Rescue Foundation, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from any claims, lawsuits, demands, damages, judgments, costs, attorney fees, or liabilities arising out of or related to: ownership of the animal, actions or behavior of the animal, injuries to persons or animals, property damage, violations of law by the Adopter relating to the animal.
13. Adopter Representations
The Adopter certifies that:
The Adopter is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
All information provided during the adoption process is true and accurate.
Any false information may result in denial of adoption privileges.
Happy Hounds reserves the right to deny any adoption application at its sole discretion.
This Agreement has been read and fully understood.
14. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any prior oral or written agreements regarding the adoption of the animal. If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By signing below, I acknowledge that:
I have read and understand this Adoption Agreement in its entirety.
I understand that the animal is adopted as-is and without any health guarantee.
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with ownership of the animal.
I agree to provide lifelong humane care and a loving home for the animal.
I agree to be bound by all terms and conditions of this Agreement.