Dog Adoption Contract

This Dog Adoption Contract (the "Contract") is entered into between [_________________] (the "Adopter") and [Beyond K9 Rescue] (the "Rescue") on this _________________[Date of Adoption] for Dog (the “Dog Name”) written below.

  1. Description of Dog:

    • Dog Name: Tyson

    • Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier MIX

    • Age: 2.5

    • Gender: Male

    • Color/Markings: Tan and White

    • Microchip/Tattoo Number: Not Applicable

  2. Adoption Fee: The Adopter agrees to pay the adoption fee of $250 to the Rescue. This fee is non-refundable and will contribute to the care and well-being of other animals in need. Initial________

  3. Representations and Warranties: a. The Adopter represents that they are at least 18 years of age and capable of owning a dog. b. The Adopter understands the responsibilities of dog ownership, including providing proper care, attention, and medical treatment. c. The Adopter understands that the Rescue makes no guarantee about the dogs temperament, health, age or mental disposition. d. The Adopter understands that the Rescue is not responsible for any damages or injuries caused by this animal at any time in any location. e. The adopter understands that they are adopting this pet at their own risk and take full responsibility for him/her at all times. Initial________

  4. Behavior: This section is drafted and required for dogs that have received behavior evaluation Services through Beyond K9 Training LLC, either formally or informally, and as a result of said Services, Beyond K9 Training has determined that the Dog poses notable risk of damage, injury, death, and/or other consequence due to the Dog’s behavior. In short, We have reason for concern that the Dog could cause damage, injury, and/or death to themselves, ourselves, You, and/or a third party, human and/or animal, and for which we require the Dog’s legal owner release liability and hold harmless The Rescue, Beyond K9 Training, their owners, operators, staff, associates, and independent contractors and acknowledge that We have provided thorough explanation of Our concerns to You and You accept the risks explained within this Contract. Initial________

    1. Behaviors Identified. Below is a written description of the behaviors the Dog has been described to have shown by account of third parties and/or Beyond K9 Training, its owner, operator, staff, associates, and/or independent contractors at any time in the Dog’s life and any damages/injuries/consequences relating to the Dog’s behavior.

    a. This Dog has had 3 bites to humans hands in which each human put their hand in the dogs face to "say hi." All three bites were minor, however, they did result in broken skin but no medical treatment was needed by the humans. (Bite was not reported)

    b. This Dog has had 1 bite to the back of a humans leg when the human was leaving the home and called out “Goodbye.” This startled the Dog and he ran towards the human and bit him on the back side. This bite was minor but did break skin. No medical treatment was needed by the human. (Bite was not reported)

    c. This Dog has had 1 bite/ nip that did not break skin when he did not recognize a human that he knew right away as that human was wearing a baseball cap. Once the baseball cap was removed The Dog was not reactive. (Bite was not reported)

    d. This Dog is prone to incontinence when confined in his crate. Due to his history of primarily living in a crate for the first year of his life this is unfortunately something the Dog is used to. This Dog is eager to drink water which is the primary cause of any urine accidents. As for fecal accidents, this behavior has been seen primarily when food has been changed or the Dog has been given too many treats.

    2. Risk. Below is a written description of the challenges posed by the Dog’s behavior and/or potential future risks the Dog poses relating to the Dog’s behavior in the opinion of third parties and/or Beyond K9 Training, its owner, operator, staff, associates, and/or independent contractors.

    a. The risk of another bite is possible towards humans and to dogs that are unknown to the Dog when not properly introduced.

    b. The risk of a bite towards an unknown or known dog is possible due to overwhelm or protection instinct when not properly managed.

    c. The incontinence that the Dog displays can be a challenge if not managed on a consistent feeding and relieving schedule.

    3. Recommendations. Below is a written description of the recommendations for the Dog’s ownership, management, and/or care in the opinion of third parties and/or Beyond K9 Training, its owner, operator, staff, associates, and/or independent contractors.

    a. The Adopter understands the following as a guideline for accepting the Dog in to their home: The first three days for the Dog in their new environment they can feel overwhelmed, nervous or confused. We recommend that rules, structure and calmness be the primary focus in the first three days in the home. The Adopter understands that it typically takes three weeks for the Dog to settle in to their new environment. We recommend a solid daily routine during this time where rules and boundaries are enforced in a calm and positive way for the Dog. The Adopter understands that it takes approximately three months for the Dog to decompress, build trust and a bond with their new Adopter. We recommend keeping the calmness and structure during this time as well as introducing enrichment and training to further strengthen the bond.

    b. We recommend using a crate for the Dog when the Adopters are not at home and the Dog is to be alone as well as for bedtime during the first three weeks of the Dog living in the home. This is to ensure structure and to help the Dog decompress in a manner they are used to.

    c. We recommend NOT introducing the Dog to humans or dogs outside of the Dogs immediate family of the Adopter until after the three month bonding period. This is to ensure that the Dog trusts their new owner and will respond to commands when necessary. The Dog should be looking to the new owner for guidance in any situation around this time.

    d. We recommend the use of a muzzle when meeting new humans, dogs and when taken to the vet or being groomed. The Dog is conditioned to wearing a muzzle.

  5. Care and Responsibilities: a. The Adopter agrees to provide the dog with adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. b. The Adopter commits to providing appropriate exercise and mental stimulation for the dog. c. The Adopter will keep the dog in a safe and secure environment, providing suitable containment and ensuring the dog's safety. d. The Adopter acknowledges that the dog must wear identification tags and agrees to keep them up-to-date with accurate contact information. e. The Adopter acknowledges that the Dog is required to wear a muzzle during any vet or grooming appointments for the safety of the humans interacting with the Dog. Initial________

  6. Health and Veterinary Care: a. The Rescue confirms that the dog is in good health, to the best of their knowledge, at the time of adoption. b. The Adopter agrees to schedule a visit to a licensed veterinarian within 90 days of adoption for a general health check-up. c. The Adopter is responsible for all veterinary expenses incurred after adoption. Initial________

  7. Return Policy: In the event that the Adopter is unable to keep the dog, the Adopter agrees to contact the Rescue before taking any action. The Rescue will be given the first right of refusal to take the dog back and find a suitable home. Initial________

  8. Legal Provisions: a. The parties agree that the laws of Somerset New Jersey shall govern this Contract. b. In the event of any dispute arising from or relating to this Contract, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through mediation before pursuing any legal action. Initial________

  9. Behavior Clause: a. The Adopter agrees that they have been informed of this dogs known bite history written above (4. Behavior.) b. The Adopter understands the risk in adopting a dog with a known bite history and the Adopter understands that the Rescue is not responsible for any damages or injuries caused by this animal at any time in any location. Initial________

  10. Sole Ownership. You represent to us that you are the owner of the Dog and that you are fully authorized to enter into this Contract. All of the information about you and the Dog provided within the Rescues online forms is true, accurate, and complete. In a custody dispute we will require proof of ownership, a written property settlement agreement, or court decree. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless, from and against all loss, damage, or expense, including attorneys’ fees, resulting from misrepresentations by you or your representatives or resulting from the Dog’s Behavior including, without limitation, any person claiming to be the owner of the Dog and any person claiming damage or injury by the Dog. Initial________

  11. Miscellaneous Provisions. This written Contract constitutes our entire and only agreement and there are no oral agreements or understandings except as provided for in this Contract. This Contract shall bind us and our assigns, including, but not limited to the Rescue, it’s owner, operator, staff, associates, and independent contractors, and you and your heirs and assigns. The law that applies to the Contract is the law of the state or province and municipality of the Rescues primary location. If there are disputes that result in litigation, the courts of the state or province and municipality at which the Dog was located at the time of the subject/matter shall have exclusive jurisdiction. We may take photos, videos, and/or audio recordings of and/or author written description of the Dog’s behavior/the Dog and any damage/injury the Dog inflicts. You hereby grant Us the perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free right and license to publish, distribute, adapt, modify, or otherwise use the Media, or any portion thereof, in any manner for any commercial or non-commercial purpose without your notice, review, or approval.  Initial________

  12. Definitions. The terms used throughout this Contract, whether capitalized or not, and in either the singular or plural form, means as follows: “We”, “Us”, and “the Rescue” means Beyond K9 Rescue, LLC., its owner, operator, staff, associates, and independent contractors. “Adopter”, “You”, “your”, “client”, and “owner” shall mean the owner of the dog signing this Contract. “Dog” or “the Dog”, singular or plural, shall mean the dog identified within this contract and shall refer to the dog designated by the owner in this Contract. Media refers to photos, videos, audio recordings, and/or written material relating to the Dog/Dog’s behavior. You have read this entire Contract, you have had the opportunity to discuss it with us to your satisfaction, and you agree to its terms. Initial________

  13. Entire Agreement: This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior discussions or understandings, written or oral. Initial________

In witness thereof, the parties hereto have executed this Dog Adoption Contract on the date first above written.

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Dog Name and Any Other Names Known By Print

Owner

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Legal Owner’s/Organization’s Authorized Representative’s Name Print

___________________________________________________          

Legal Owner’s/Organization’s Authorized Representative’s Signature

___________________________________________________

Name of Organization if applicable

_______________

Date

Beyond K9 Rescue LLC Representative

_______________________________________ ______________________________________ _______________

Beyond K9 Rescue LLC Representative Name Print Beyond K9 Rescue LLC Representative Signature Date