Pennypaws Adoption Agreement

Adoption Agreement Form - please fill in all boxes. Any problems please contact admin@pennypawsrescue.org.uk. Please only fill out this form when requested to by Pennypaws Rescue

This document is a binding agreement between Pennypaws Rescue, a Dog Rescue Charitable Incorporated Organisation (ICO), Charity Registration No 1200959 and the Adopter, who will adopt the Dog from PennyPaws Rescue as identified below as a companion dog and family member.

Full Name of Adopter*

Name of Dog to be Adopted*

Breed of dog

Colour & Markings*

2. Deposits
Any deposit made to reserve a dog is on a non-refundable basis if the Adopter subsequently decides not to proceed.

3. Spay/Neuter
If the dog has not been sterilised prior to adoption and unless there are medical or age reasons not to do so, the Adopter will arrange to have the dog spayed/neutered by a qualified veterinary surgeon within three months of the date of adoption, at their expense.

4. Care of the Dog by the Adopter
(a) The Dog will be treated as a family member by the Adopter. In particular, the Dog will sleep inside the home and be allowed the freedom of the house when the family is at home.
(b) The Dog will not be restricted to the outdoors at any time.
(c) The Dog will be provided with fresh water, wholesome dog food, adequate outdoor exercise, affection and shelter.
(d) The Dog will not be used as a guard animal, or for any purpose other than as a companion and friend to you and your family.
(e) No alteration to the animal's appearance is permitted (e.g. docking of tails/ears) other than as part of a normal grooming regime .
(f) The Adopter understands that puppies will grow, and it is impossible to predict their full adult size.

5. Veterinary Care & Insurance
(a) All vaccinations for the Dog will be kept up to date by the Adopter as recommended by their vet; including but not limited to Distemper and ParvoVirus Leptospirosis where appropriate.
(b) The best available care will be provided to the Dog in a timely manner. Any medical problems that may arise, including serious illness requiring emergency care or surgery and the associated treatment costs are the responsibility of the Adopter.
(c) The Adopter will take out adequate pet insurance for the dog, including third party liability, to commence from the date of adoption.

6. Behavioural Issues
If the Dog develops any behavioural issues such as biting, destruction, escapism, fearfulness and dominance, the Adopter agrees to contact PennyPaws Rescue at the first opportunity, to discuss a course of action and possible remedies.

7. Safe Environment and Supervision

(a) Where applicable, the Adopter will provide a secure fenced garden with ample room for outdoor exercise. The Dog will only be allowed into the garden if it is safe to do so and there is no opportunity for escape. If any fencing requires repair or modification to ensure absolute security, such repairs will be made prior to the Dog being given access to the garden.
(b) Many dogs are sensitive and scared of loud noises. Exposure to things like fireworks can cause damaging distress. A safe and protected environment inside the home will be provided for the Dog at all times and especially whenever loud noises may be expected, such as on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and public holidays.
(c) The Dog must never be tied up on your property or elsewhere.
Restraining a dog by tying it up is unsafe and may cause unpredictable behaviour, random aggression and theft of the Dog.
(d) The Dog must not be left crated or otherwise confined for extended periods of time, never for more than 5 hours.

8. Identification Tags
The Dog will always wear an identification tag on its collar with current name and address, as required by law for domestic dogs in the UK.

9. Leash/Collar
The Dog will be walked on a leash when on public streets, in parks or other unfenced areas, and will never be allowed to roam free unsupervised. On no account should the Dog ever be fitted with a prong collar or shock collar or similar device.

10. Lost Dog / Dog Escape
In the event the Dog is lost or escapes, the Adopter must immediately use its best endeavours to find and recover it. This must include organised searching, filing of reports with the local police, animal shelters, local veterinarians and pet stores, and the posting of lost dog flyers in the area and if possible the local paper. The Adopter must also contact PennyPaws Rescue as soon as practically possible for additional support and advice.

If a lost Dog is returned to PennyPaws Rescue and there are clear signs that negligence or disregard for any part of this Agreement caused the escape, we reserve the right to reclaim the Dog for its own safety, and to make arrangements to have it re-homed.

11. No Right To Transfer
If at any time in the future you cannot continue to provide proper care for the Dog, you agree not to abandon, give or sell it to another person, company, organisation, medical research facility or animal shelter. Instead you agree to do one or more of the following:

(a) Obtain approval from the trustees of PennyPaws Rescue to transfer the ownership of the Dog to a friend or relative. PennyPaws Rescue must first approve the new adopter who will be required to have a homecheck and sign a new Adoption Agreement. Only when this has been completed can transfer take place.
(b) Agree to cover the cost to board the Dog at an approved kennel facility for an agreed period of time, allowing PennyPaws Rescue to actively seek a new home, and then to relinquish the Dog to PennyPaws Rescue when a home is found.
(c) Return Policy for returning dog to PennyPaws Rescue
(i) If the Adopter decides they can no longer keep the Dog, they agree to contact Pennypaws Rescue to arrange a plan for the safe return of the Dog, allowing where possible for an adequate amount of time, up to three weeks, for Pennypaws Rescue to arrange temporary care for the Dog.
(ii) The Adopter agrees to safely transport the Dog to the agreed kennel, shelter, or new foster/adopter and will at the same time return all relevant paperwork, including any passport and medical history of the dog, to Pennypaws Rescue.
(iii) Return Fee: All costs including any administration and transport fees will be paid in advance by the current Adopter.

12. Euthanasia
You agree that you may not euthanize the Dog until there has been a full and detailed discussion with, and explicit permission granted from, a TRUSTEE of PennyPaws Rescue. Any permission will only be granted by PennyPaws Rescue following those discussions and may include advice from a vet chosen by Pennypaws Rescue.

13. Change of Contact Info
The Adopter must ensure that Pennypaws Rescue always has up to date contact details. Any change of address or contact phone numbers must be notified to Pennypaws Rescue expediently. Updates can be emailed to: admin@pennypawsrescue.org.uk

14. Estate Provision
Adopter agrees to provide for the care of the Dog in their Will or Estate if by no other means than specifying in writing that the Dog is to be returned to PennyPaws Rescue in the event of the Adopter's death.

15. Follow Ups and Checks
PennyPaws Rescue may make follow up visits and telephone calls to ascertain that all is well with the adoption of the Dog, and to make sure all parts of this agreement are understood and being adhered to as agreed. The Adopter is obliged to respond within 2 days to any requests from Pennypaws Rescue to check the wellbeing of the Dog. Normally a 3 month and 6 month checkup are carried out.

16. Right To Reclaim
In exceptional circumstances, and if any part of this Agreement is not met to the satisfaction of PennyPaws Rescue, we reserve the right to reclaim the Dog.

17. No Warranty
PennyPaws Rescue makes no warranty as to the temperament or physical condition of the Dog. Whilst Pennypaws Rescue will try to ascertain the condition, behavioural habits and personality of the Dog, the Dog is being adopted on the understanding that it is a rescued dog, likely to have suffered cruelty and neglect, and there may be issues that arise over time which will require patience, behavioural advice and training to overcome.

18. Indemnification and waiver of liability
The Adopter hereby releases PennyPaws Rescue from any and all liability for personal injury, property damage, legal fees, veterinary care, or any other expense or liability incurred by the Adopter as a result of this Adoption.

19. The Agreement
This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Adopter and Pennypaws Rescue, and supersedes any prior understandings between both parties in respect of the subject matter of this agreement.

No modification of this Agreement will be valid unless it is made in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement is binding upon the Adopter their heirs, successors, personal representatives and executors.

Neither this Agreement nor any right, interest, or obligation herein may be assigned, transferred, or delegated to a third party by the Adopter without the prior written consent of PennyPaws Rescue, whose consent may be withheld for any reason.

For any dispute relating to this Agreement the laws of England and Wales will apply.

Please tick the checkbox to agree to the terms of this agreement.
I agree to the terms of the Pennypaws Adoption Agreement

Signature (Adopter to type name in capitals)*

Date*

Adopter's Postal Address*

Postcode*

Phone Number*

Your email*

For Pennypaws Rescue Use Only*
Signature of Pennypaws Rescue Trustee