Dog Adoption Application Form

Dog Adoption Application Form
This application is intended to gather information to determine if an animal in our rescue best fits your household is available for adoption. You cannot complete this application without the presence of the primary adopter. The right to refuse any adoption of any animal is reserved and refusal is under the discretion of the adoption counselors. The right to contact landlords, associations, and veterinarians are reserved by the rescue. Answer the questions for the primary adopter and the physical location where the animal will reside. Adoption fee is paid, and the adoption contract must be signed at the time of placement. Until the contract is finalized and payment is made, the animal remains in the ownership of Big Dogs Don’t Cry. We reserve the right to request a home visit prior to approval.
This application is for:*

Dog/PuppyCat/Kitten
Name of pet you are applying for:*
Name of Primary Adopter:*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Primary phone number: *
Please enter a valid phone number.
Secondary phone number:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email
example@example.com
How many adults (over the age of 18) live in your home?*
Please list full names and birth dates of all adults in your home:*
Are all the adults in your home aware and in agreement about adopting this pet?*

YesNo (please explain)
How many children (under the age of 18) live in your home?*
What are their ages?
Is anyone in your home allergic to any pets?*

YesNo
Does anyone in your home fear dogs?*

YesNo
How many pets do you own in your home?*
Please list name, species, breed, sex of all pets currently living in the household:*
Are all of your pets spayed/neutered?*

YesNo
If not, explain why?
Are all of your pets up to date on vaccinations?*

YesNo
If not, explain why?
Are all of your pets on flea/tick and heartworm preventatives?*

YesNo
If not, explain why?
Do you own or rent your home?*

OwnRent
Renters, have you contacted your landlord to find out if there's any restrictions on the kind or size of dog you can have?*

YesNoNot yet, but I willIt's written in our lease
If you rent, you must show us a written letter from your landlord or a copy of the section of your lease stating that you are allowed to have dogs/cats and showing any limitations.

If you live in a condo or townhome, you must show us written proof that you are allowed to have a dog there and show any restrictions.
What type of home?*

HouseCondoApartmentMobile Home
Approximate square footage of your home*

Less than 800 square feet800-1,000 square feet1,000-1,500 square feet1,500-2,000 square feetOver 2,000 square feet
Do you have a yard?*

Yard, fenced with a vertical fenceYard, fenced with invisible fencingYard, no fenceNo yard (apartment/condo/townhome)
If vertical fence, what is your fence height?*

2' high3' high4' high5' high6' high
Do you work outside the home?*

YesNoOne applicant is home/works from homeWe work different shifts
If you both work outside the home, how many hours per day are you away?*
What is your occupation, or what do you do for a living? *
Can you provide daily exercise, socialization, and training?*

YesNo
Do you plan on disciplining your dog if they display unacceptable behavior?*

YesNo
If yes, please explain how?
Will your dog be crated?*

YesNo
If yes, please explain in what situations and for how long?
Do you understand that adopting a pet may require adjustments to your daily routine?*

YesNo
How many hours per day will this dog be alone? Please explain.*
Who will care for the dog if you are unavailable (traveling, emergencies)?*
What is your reason for adopting? Check all that apply.*

A family pet/companionA gift for someone elseA playmate/companion for other pet(s)Barn cat/Guard dogOutside cat/dogOffice or classroom petOther
Have you ever adopted a dog from a rescue?*

YesNo
If you answered 'yes' - which one?
Where will your pet sleep at night?*

Inside the HouseOutside
Are you willing to work through your new pet's issues, if any?*

NoYesMaybe, It depends on the issues
Do you smoke? This question does not exclude you for approval. This question is to help to take a specific rescued animal’s medical condition into consideration.*

YesNo
Do you agree to have necessary/regular check-ups and vaccinations administered by a reputable veterinarian?*

YesNo
Have you returned a pet to a shelter or had to euthanize a pet? IF so, explain*

NoYes
If yes, explain why?
Please provide your current veterinary facility contact information. If you do not have a current vet, please list previous veterinarian information.
Veterinary Clinic Name*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please provide the name, address, and phone number of your current veterinary facility. If you do not have a current vet, please list previous veterinarian information.*
Please provide full names for all the people the vet records could be under:
Please provide two personal references. People who know you but are not related to you. Can be friend, dog walker, groomer, etc.
Please provide two personal references.
Reference 1*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to You:*
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email
example@example.com
Reference 2*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to You:*
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email
example@example.com
Have you discussed this application with all members of your household?*

YesNoYes, adults have discussed. Kids don't know yet.
What would cause you to return a dog?*
Do you agree to contact the rescue for support or if any issues arise?*

YesNo
Are you ready to adopt? Here are some things to think about before you make a commitment.

WHY DO YOU WANT A PET?
It's surprising how many people don't ask themselves this simple question before they take a pet home. Pets may be with you for up to 20 years, so be prepared to care for them over their lifetime. Good people sometimes find themselves in unexpected and unfortunate circumstances which prevent them from keeping their pets. If this should happen, be prepared to take a proactive role in finding a new home for your companion animal.

CAN YOU AFFORD A PET?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses can quickly add up.

ARE YOU PREPARED TO DEAL WITH ANY CHALLENGES A PET MAY PRESENT?
Flea infestations, scratched furniture, accidents from animals who are not yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

CAN YOU HAVE A PET WHERE YOU LIVE?
Many landlords do not allow pets, and most rental communities have restrictions. In addition, certain types of dogs are often excluded from homeowners insurance policies, or owners aren't allowed to renew or continue their coverage. Make sure if and how you are limited by housing related policies before you bring a companion animal home.

IS IT A GOOD TIME TO ADOPT A PET?
Waiting until you’re settled is probably wise if you're a student, member of the military, or travel frequently for work, among other concerns.

ARE YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS SUITABLE FOR THE PET YOU HAVE IN MIND?
Animal size is not the only variable to think about. A few small dog breeds, like terriers, are very active. On the other hand, some large dog breeds are laid back. Before adopting a pet, do your research by surfing the internet, talking to pet-owning friends and neighbors, and using our rescue staff as a resource. This way, you'll be more successful by choosing an animal who fits your lifestyle and living arrangements.

WILL YOU BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER?
Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are also essential.

WHO WILL CARE FOR YOUR PET WHILE YOU ARE AWAY ON VACATION?
You'll need to account into your vacation budget the costs to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service. Or if you are lucky, you have reliable friends and neighbors who will care for your pet while you are away.
This Adoption Agreement and Liability Waiver (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the date set forth below by Big Dogs Don't Cry, Inc. (“BDDC”), a nonprofit organization, and the undersigned adopter (“Adopter”). The Adopter has voluntarily expressed an interest in adopting a dog in the care and custody of BDC.In consideration of BDDC’s agreement to allow the Adopter to adopt a dog from its care, the Adopter agrees to the following terms (check all boxes):*

The adopter certifies that all statements provided in this application are complete, accurate, and true, and that the adopter has answered thoroughly and honestly.The adopter consents to the rescue visiting their home, either physically or virtually, to check on the pet after adoption.The adopter understands the needs of the pet as described above and further certifies that they are financially and physically able to care for the animal.The adopter certifies that they have never been convicted of animal cruelty or neglect.The adopter agrees to allow a representative from Big Dogs Don't Cry, Inc. to contact their veterinarian for a reference.Care and Well-being: The Adopter agrees to provide a safe, secure, and loving home for the dog, including appropriate food, medical care, and training. The Adopter agrees to provide the dog with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and veterinary care throughout the dog’s life.Ownership of the Dog: The dog being adopted remains the property of BDDC until the adoption is finalized, and all legal ownership transfers to the Adopter upon completion of this process and the payment of any applicable adoption fee.Return of the Dog: If, at any time, the Adopter can no longer care for the dog, they agree to return the dog to BDDC, without question. The Adopter will not rehome the dog or transfer ownership without written consent from BDDC.Behavior and Health: The Adopter agrees to maintain regular veterinary care and to work with BDDC should the dog have any health or behavioral issues that require professional care. The Adopter agrees to provide updates to BDDC as needed on the dog’s health and progress.Acknowledgment of Risks. The Adopter acknowledges that adopting a dog involves inherent risks, including but not limited to bites, scratches, and other physical injuries, and in some cases, serious bodily injury or death. The Adopter fully understands these risks and voluntarily assumes all such risks associated with adopting and interacting with the dog.Adoption Zoonotic Disease Awareness Disclosure. The adopter acknowledges that adopting a dog from Big Dogs Don't Cry may involve exposure to zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases include, but are not limited to, rabies, ringworm, and certain bacterial and viral infections. The adopter understands the importance of following all provided hygiene practices, personal protective equipment guidelines, and any other safety protocols to minimize these risks.Release and Waiver of Liability. The Adopter, for themselves, their heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, hereby agrees to release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless BDDC, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, and any other parties acting on behalf of BDDC, from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in any way related to the Adopter’s adoption of the dog, including but not limited to injuries or damages caused to third parties (such as visitors, other animals, or property) resulting from the Adopter’s actions, interactions with the dog, or the dog’s behavior. This waiver includes claims of bodily injury, property damage, death, or other losses, whether caused by the negligence of BDDC or otherwise.Indemnification. The Adopter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BDDC, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of the Adopter’s actions or omissions during the adoption period, or any claims brought against BDDC due to the Adopter’s ownership and care of the dog.Medical Consent. In the event of an injury or emergency, the Adopter grants BDDC permission to seek medical treatment on their behalf, understanding that BDDC will make reasonable efforts to contact the Adopter or their emergency contact as soon as possible. This consent includes treatment for injuries or health conditions sustained while interacting with or caring for the dog.Age and Legal Capacity. The Adopter confirms that they are at least 18 years of age.
By signing below, the Adopter affirms that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms of this waiver and release. The Adopter further affirms that they are physically and mentally capable of caring for the dog, and will comply with the terms and responsibilities outlined in the Adoption Agreement & acknowledge the Zoonotic Disease Awareness Disclosure. *
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