This Canine Adoption Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on this ____ day of ________________, 20____, by and between Heading Home, hereinafter referred to as "the Organization," and the undersigned individual, hereinafter referred to as "the Adopter." The purpose of this Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions under which the Adopter adopts a dog from the Organization, ensure the welfare of the dog, and outline the responsibilities and commitments of the Adopter.

For this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

• Adopter: The individual or family adopting the dog as identified in Section 1.1 of this Agreement.
• Organization: The animal rescue or shelter facilitating the adoption as identified in Section 1.2 of this Agreement.
• Dog: The canine companion being adopted, as specified by breed, age, and any distinguishing features in Section 2 of this Agreement.
• Adoption Fee: A monetary contribution to support the care and welfare of animals in the Organization's care, as specified in Section 3 of this Agreement.
• Foster Home: Temporary housing arrangement prior to a dog's adoption.

to the Organization. This fee contributes to the costs of care, shelter, food, medical treatment, and other services provided to the Dog and other animals in the Organization's care.

The adoption fee shall be paid in full prior to the Adopter taking possession of the Dog. No refunds shall be issued after completion of the adoption process, except at the sole discretion of the Organization under extraordinary circumstances.

The Adopter hereby agrees to:

a) This dog has been examined by Heading Home Veterinarian prior to adoption and has received rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. Upon adoption, the Adopter must provide the Dog with adequate food, fresh water, shelter, and veterinary care, including but not limited to routine vaccinations, preventative flea/tick treatments, and heartworm prevention;

b) Ensure the Dog receives prompt treatment for any illness or injury; Adopter agrees that veterinary problems may arise with this dog, including serious illnesses requiring emergency care or surgery. The parties agree that said problems are the Adopter's financial responsibility who shall bear all related costs and provide necessary timely veterinary care to the dog.

c) If the dog has not yet been spayed or neutered, the parties agree that the Adopter shall have the dog spayed or neutered, and the adoption fee shall include this operation by the Heading Home veterinarian. Adopter shall make an appointment with HH to have this dog so altered. HH shall not pay for this expense should Adopter elect to have a different veterinarian perform the operation. If the dog is spayed or neutered by someone other than HH veterinarian, Adopter shall give HH a copy of the spay/neuter certificate within 10 days of said operation.

d) Comply with all state and local animal ordinances, including licensing and leash laws;

e) Provide appropriate training and socialization to ensure the Dog is a well-mannered canine citizen;

f) Never subject the Dog to any form of physical abuse, neglect, or cruelty.

The Adopter hereby agrees to:

1. Provide the Dog with a safe and loving home environment; This means the pet shall have extensive house privileges, sleep inside the house, and not be kept solely as a FREE ROAM ANIMAL or CHAINED OR TIED OUT IN THE YARD
2. Ensure adequate space for the Dog's size, breed, and activity level;
3. Provide the Dog with regular exercise appropriate to its age, breed, and health status;
4. Keep the Dog as an indoor pet and member of the family;
5. Do not keep the Dog chained, tethered, or permanently confined to a garage, basement, balcony, or outdoor area;
6. Ensure all fencing and gates are secure and adequate to contain the Dog safely;
7. Never transport the Dog in an open truck bed or unsecured in a vehicle.

The Adopter hereby agrees to:

1. Adopter shall change the microchip information to assist in tracking a lost dog.
2. Notify the Organization within 10 days of any change in address or contact information;
3. Notify the Organization immediately if the Dog becomes lost;
4. Not sell, give away, or otherwise transfer ownership of the Dog to any third party without the express written consent of the Organization;
5. Notify the Organization if, for any reason, the Adopter can no longer keep or care for the Dog, allowing the Organization the right of first refusal to reclaim the Dog;
6. Immediately notify the Organization in the event of the Dog's death during the first year following adoption, including the cause of death and the attending veterinarian's contact information.
7. The parties agree that HH has the right to sue Adopter for all fees in connection with enforcing this Agreement, and the Adopter shall additionally pay HH for all legal fees in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

The Adopter hereby agrees that the Organization reserves the right to:

1. Conduct follow-up inquiries or visits to ensure the terms of this Agreement are being observed and that the Dog is being properly cared for; Adopter shall make a good-faith effort to return HH call within three (3) days.
2. Conduct such visits with reasonable notice at mutually convenient times;
3. Request updates, including photographs and veterinary records, to confirm the Dog's well-being.

The Adopter acknowledges and agrees that:

a) The Organization retains the right to reclaim the Dog if, in the Organization's reasonable opinion, any terms of this Agreement have been breached, or the Dog's welfare is at risk;

b) If the Organization determines that the Adopter has violated any term of this Agreement, the Organization may require the immediate surrender of the Dog without refund of the adoption fee or other compensation;

c) In the event of repossession pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Adopter voluntarily waives any right to reclaim the Dog and will be responsible for any costs incurred by the Organization in reclaiming and rehabilitating the Dog.

The Adopter hereby acknowledges:

a) The Organization makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the Dog's temperament, health, behavior, physical condition, or age

b) The Adopter assumes all risk of ownership of the Dog from the date of adoption, including any injury or damage to persons, property, or other animals that may be caused by the Dog;

c) The Adopter hereby releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless the Organization, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any liability, claims, or legal actions related to the adoption of the Dog, including veterinary expenses, property damage, personal injury, or any other costs or damages that may arise from the adoption;

d) This release and indemnification shall be binding upon the Adopter, their heirs, assigns, and all persons claiming rights through the Adopter.

In the event of any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement:

a) The parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith mediation, with costs to be shared equally;

b) If mediation proves unsuccessful, the dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association or other mutually agreed arbitration service;

c) The arbitration shall take place in the county where the Organization is located, unless otherwise mutually agreed;

d) The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties;

e) The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, or negotiations. This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.