ADOPTION AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into by Grateful Dogs, Inc. (referred to as the "Rescue") and the Adopter.
Thank you for Adopting! When adopting, we will provide you with information about the spay-neuter, vaccination, microchipping, and any medical history we have knowledge of about the animal. We have no information about the animal other than what is on the biography provided to you upon adoption. Please understand that most of the animals come to us as strays or pulled from animal shelters. We make every effort to ensure that any animal adopted from us is healthy. We are unaware of any pre-existing medical issues, other than what we list in the biography. On the biography, we have listed all veterinary services we have provided. From the date of adoption, you are responsible for all medical care for this animal.
Adopter Name
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Animal Name. Specify dog or cat.
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By signing this Agreement, you are acknowledging your responsibilities as the Adopter.
1. Basic Adopter Obligations
From the date of Adoption, the Adopter is responsible for the care and well-being of the animal. Adopters promise to provide nutritious food, appropriate shelter, safe & secure exercise & potty routines, and veterinary care including vaccinations and heartworm & flea prevention. Adopters agree to keep their contact information up to date on the animal's microchip registration. If Adopter needs assistance with this, they will reach out to the Rescue. It is highly recommended that the dog's name and phone # be on their collar for safety purposes.
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ADOPTION AGREEMENT
2. Living Conditions
Unless agreed upon prior to adoption, the animal is to be an indoor only pet. Inside only means the adopted animal will live indoors but will go outdoors for potty and exercise supervised by the Adopter. The adopted dog must not be outside more than it is inside. If the dog is adopted as an outdoor pet, the dog will always have adequate shelter, food, and access to water. The dog must NOT be left chained / tied up outdoors. Outdoor pets must have a safe, secure fenced yard or a large fenced in area to live in. Dogs need regular and consistent human interaction and socialization. Adopted dogs are family members. Animals are required to be household pets. Cruelty, neglect or leaving dogs chained up outdoors or abandoned is prohibited.
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3. Decompression and Adjustment
Decompression is a deliberate, calm period that gives the animal time to learn the routines of a new home. The flexible timeline is summarized by the 3-3-3 guideline: First 3 days: overwhelmed; next 3 weeks: settling in; 3 months: full adjustment, but individual dogs vary widely. A dog-led approach that prioritizes reading body language and offering predictable structure helps the animal feel safe.
Priority of calm and predictability.
A quiet, consistent routine (feeding, potty, sleep, exercise times) to reduce stress. Consider the use of frozen Kongs or safe chew toys to reduce anxiety and provide enrichment.
Dog-led introductions.
New people, children, and other animals should be introduced slowly and only when the dog shows relaxed body language. Ideally, limit new introductions during the initial 3 days. Don't force interactions, crowd the dog, or punish fearful behavior; allow the dog to approach on its own terms. Walk the dog on a loose leash and keep outings short at first, limiting exposure to unfamiliar places.
Respect for space.
Provide an accessible retreat (crate, bed, or quiet room) the dog can use without interruption. Keep noise and foot traffic low.
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ADOPTION AGREEMENT
4. Return and Surrender back to the Rescue
If Adopter can no longer care for the animal, Adopter will contact the Rescue immediately to arrange return. Adopter will not rehome the animal without the Rescue's approval. Adopter will not surrender the animal to any animal shelter or any other rescue organization. Adoption fees are not refundable beyond 10 days of the adoption.
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5. Right to Reclaim
Rescue reserves the right to do follow-up visits to ensure the well-being of the adopted animal. Visits may consist of but are not limited to driving by your property or scheduling a home visit. We reserve the right to reclaim the animal if the conditions are not in accordance with the Adoption Application and this Adoption Agreement.
6. Liability & Indemnity
Adopter accepts possession and responsibility of the adopted animal. Adopter hereby releases the Rescue from liability for any injury or damage to any person or property caused in the future by the animal.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This document constitutes the Agreement between the parties regarding the adopted animal.
SIGNATURES
By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understand, and agree to the terms above.
Rescue Representative: [Michael Gregory]
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Adopter: Type name as Signature
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