Adoption Agreement & Terms of Placement

By signing below, the Adopter agrees to the following legally binding 

1. Adoption Fees & Transportation

1.1 Local Adoption Fee: The standard adoption fee is $300 unless otherwise agreed in writing.

1.2 Out-of-State Adoptions:

Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the animal and transportation costs.

Fees may be waived for out-of-state adopters if the animal is pulled directly from a shelter and the Adopter assumes full responsibility for boarding and transportation expenses.
If Paws For Big Hearts arranges boarding and/or transportation, the adoption fee will be adjusted accordingly and must be paid prior to transport.

All adoption fees are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2. Transfer of Ownership & Assumption of Responsibility

2.1 Upon transfer of custody, the Adopter assumes full legal and financial responsibility for the animal.

2.2 The Adopter agrees to provide:

• Adequate food and clean water
• Safe, sanitary, and humane shelter
• Proper supervision and containment
• Routine and emergency veterinary care
• Required vaccinations and preventative treatments
• Compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws

3. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability

 3.1 The Adopter understands that animals may act unpredictably.

3.2 Paws For Big Hearts, its directors, officers, volunteers, fosters, and representatives shall not be liable for:

• Bites or injuries to persons or other animals
• Property damage
• Behavioral issues
• Illness or medical conditions
  Any claims arising after adoption

3.3 The Adopter assumes all risks associated with ownership and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Paws For Big Hearts from any claims, damages, legal actions, or expenses arising after the adoption date.

3.4 Paws For Big Hearts makes no guarantees regarding temperament, breed, health, behavior, or suitability for a specific purpose. The animal is adopted “as-is.” 

4. Medical & Financial Responsibility

4.1 All veterinary care, training, behavioral services, emergency treatment, and related expenses after adoption are solely the responsibility of the Adopter.

4.2 Paws For Big Hearts shall not be responsible for any post-adoption medical bills, injury-related costs, or damages

5. Bite History & Behavioral Disclosure

5.1 Paws For Big Hearts discloses any known bite history or documented aggressive incidents to the best of its knowledge prior to adoption.

5.2 The Adopter acknowledges that many rescue animals have unknown histories and that absence of a known bite history does not guarantee the animal will not bite or display reactive behavior in the future.

 
5.3 Any bite or behavioral incident occurring after adoption is solely the responsibility of the Adopter.

6. Spay/Neuter Requirement

 6.1 If the animal is not sterilized at the time of adoption, the Adopter agrees to have the animal spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian no later than 6 months unless otherwise stated by a medical professional in writing. 

6.2 Proof of sterilization must be provided within seven (7) days of the procedure.

6.3 The Adopter agrees that the animal shall not be bred and shall not be allowed to reproduce under any circumstances.

6.4 Failure to comply constitutes a material breach of this agreement and may result in reclaim of the animal without refund.

7. Return to Rescue Requirement

7.1 If at any time the Adopter is unable or unwilling to keep the animal, the Adopter must contact Paws For Big Hearts immediately.

7.2 The animal must be returned to Paws For Big Hearts.

7.3 The Adopter is responsible for transportation and surrender-related costs unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.4 The Adopter may not sell, give away, transfer, abandon, or euthanize the animal without written consent from Paws For Big Hearts, except when a licensed veterinarian determines euthanasia is medically necessary to prevent suffering.

8. Right to Reclaim

8.1 Paws For Big Hearts reserves the right to reclaim the animal if the Adopter violates this agreement, including but not limited to:

• Neglect or abuse
• Failure to provide proper care
• Failure to sterilize
• Unauthorized transfer
• Unsafe living condition
• Breach of any contractual provision

 
8.2 The Adopter agrees to peacefully surrender the animal upon notice of breach.

8.3 Adoption fees are non-refundable in cases of contract violation.

8.4 Paws For Big Hearts reserves the right to pursue legal remedies, including recovery of reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

9. Ongoing Support

Paws For Big Hearts is committed to ensuring every animal receives medical care, safety, and love. These animals remain part of our extended family for life. If assistance, training resources, or guidance is needed, Adopters are encouraged to contact the rescue for support.

Acknowledgment & Signature

By signing below, the Adopter acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms of this Adoption Agreement.