The following is a legal and binding contract between the adopter(s) and the Stafford SPCA, Inc. After reading each section, please initial the space provided. The initials are simply a reminder that you have read, understood and agree with each section. Failure to initial does not relieve you of your obligation under each section. If you have any questions or concerns, ask for clarification from an SPCA adoption counselor before signing the contract.
I (we) understand that adopting and acquiring a dog, cat or other animal, although very rewarding, requires a significant investment of time, patience and resources. I, for myself, and my family / dependents hereby certify that I have either researched, or am knowledgeable about, the particular breed, or breed mix that my new animal may be, and that I am prepared to deal with any animal, breed, behavioral, medical or psychological issues as they may arise. I also certify that I am able and willing to bring in qualified 3rd party professionals to assist in the care, training, and development of my adopted animal, as needed. I understand and agree that most behavioral issues can be corrected, if dealt with properly, consistently, promptly. I understand that failure to take timely corrective action with any such issues can result in more serious problems later.
I am at least 18 years old and have a valid state issued photo ID.
All adult members of my household are aware of, and supportive of this adoption.
I understand that the adoption review process can take up to 72 hours or longer, depending on the volume of adoptions being processed, and any difficulties in the verification of information provided to the SPCA.
I will provide humane and loving care, and will treat this animal as an indoor family house pet, for the lifetime of this animal. Depending on the age, breed and health of this animal, that commitment can well exceed 10 - 15 years. I agree to be a responsible guardian, to include providing adequate food, water, shelter, attention, companionship and veterinary care.
I will provide high quality, age and breed appropriate food to the pet, at least twice a day, and will provide a continuous supply of clean, healthy water. A licensed vet may make temporary modifications to the food and water schedule as the animal's health conditions may occasionally warrant.
I will not let my dog / animal roam free, nor will I keep it tied or chained for any meaningful length of time, and I will not subject my pet to exposure of extreme weather of any kind (heat, cold, storms, etc.).
I will ensure that my dog / animal receives sufficient age and breed appropriate daily exercise by walking my dog on a leash, and or exercising my animal in a fenced yard (solid or electronic with system collars), dog park, or other controlled environment.
I will attach a proper identification tag to my pet's collar, which the pet will wear at all times, along with the appropriate county / locality issued dog license, which I will obtain within 30 days of taking ownership of the animal. I also agree, if my animal has a microchip, to ensure that the monitoring company has, and receives from me regularly, correct & current contact information incase my animal somehow gets loose.
I understand and agree that no guaranty can be given on any adopted animal, and that there is no warranty, either expressed or implied on the animal being adopted from the Stafford SPCA. I further agree to take this animal to my licenses Veterinarian within 14 days of adoption for a health check-up. I specifically understand that I may not cosmetically alter this pet (i.e.: ear cropping, tail docking, or any other medically unnecessary surgery or procedure)
I understand and agree that many of the animals available for adoption are rescued or abandoned animals, and as such, have often been exposed to a variety of environments, diseases, abuse, and neglect. Like human illnesses and disorders, some of these can have incubation periods of days, weeks, months and even years. If the adopted animal begins to show signs or symptoms, of illness or injury, at any point, I will take the pet to a licensed Veterinarian immediately.
I will provide annual and routine veterinary care for this animal. I will have the animal examined, and will have all necessary and recommended shots, vaccinations and treatments provided.
I agree to continue to provide the recommended flea and tick treatment, as well as heart worm preventative currently being provided, and on the routine as described:
- Flea & Tick Treatment: Frontline Plus Frequency: 1 / month Schedule: 1st of each month
- Heartworm Preventative: Interceptor Frequency: 1 / month Schedule: 1st of each month
I agree to permit a representative of the Stafford SPCA and / or its affiliates to investigate and / or make inquiries concerning any of the above conditions (and anything else contained in this agreement). I agree to make the pet(s) available for inspection, as well as make my home available for spot check / inspection within 24 hours notice (written, or electronic). I agree to remain in regular contact with the Stafford SPCA (and / or its affiliates) at least once per annum, to advise of any changes in residency, and contact information, as well as to advise on the health, happiness, and general condition of the pet(s) I am adopting. I agree to respond to voicemails and or emails from the Stafford SPCA and or its affiliates within 48 hours of receipt
I represent that neither I, nor any members of my family, have ever been convicted of animal neglect, abandonment, or cruelty. I further represent that I have never owned an animal that has been confiscated by animal control or other humane organization, for violations of state, local of other animal regulations or violation of adoption agreements.
I agree to abide by all state, and local animal control ordinances of the community in which I and the animal reside.
I understand that noncompliance with any provision of this contract shall constitute a material breach of this contract, and the Stafford SPCA, and / or any of its properly authorized affiliates, shall have the right to demand that the adopter immediately cure any such default, or if the safety of the animal is meaningfully jeopardized, demand the immediate return of this dog / puppy / animal without requiring legal / law enforcement intervention or court order. The adopter further waives notice, demand or presentment of any contact breach, and should it become necessary, in the opinion of the Stafford SPCA, the adopter grants the Stafford SPCA and or its affiliates the right to enter into and upon my property, and utilize any and all reasonable means to retrieve the animal.
I am adopting this animal to become a lifelong part of my family. I agree never to sell, give, transfer over or convey this animal, or any animal adopted from the Stafford SPCA or its affiliates, to a laboratory, shelter, family, friend, relative, or surrender this animal(s) to anyone other than an authorized representative of the Stafford SPCA. I further agree that if I cannot, for whatever reason, keep this animal(s), that I will return this pet, in a fully healthy, intact and stable physical, emotional and psychological condition. I further agree to be responsible for all costs involved and related to bring any animal returned by me, or animal adopted to me and returned by others, back to full health, vigor and vitality such that the animal could be readily adopted to a new family. I further agree to provide 2 weeks written notice, sent certified mail with return receipt, of my intention to return any animal adopted from the Stafford SPCA, and state in detail my reasons for doing so. I agree to provide copies of all medical, training, veterinary records developed over time related to any animal being surrendered.
I understand and agree that failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this contract may result in the forfeiture of the adopted animal(s) without the need of a court order. I also agree to reimburse all legal, operational, medical, veterinary, trainer, transport, kennel and other expenses incurred by the Stafford SPCA and / or its affiliates, as deemed necessary, at the sole discretion of the Stafford SPCA, to care for the adopted animal(s), and to enforce the Stafford SPCA's rights under this contract. I also agree that if I were to surrender or give over this animal(s) to anyone other than the Stafford SPCA and / or it's properly authorized affiliates, that I will be responsible for an additional charge and fee of no less than $750 to cover the costs involved, in whole or in part, in recovering the animal from any other 3rd party.
I understand and agree that failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this contract may result in the forfeiture of the adopted animal(s) without the need of a court order. I also agree to reimburse all legal, operational, medical, veterinary, trainer, transport, kennel and other expenses incurred by the Stafford SPCA and / or its affiliates, as deemed necessary, at the sole discretion of the Stafford SPCA, to care for the adopted animal(s), and to enforce the Stafford SPCA's rights under this contract. I also agree that if I were to surrender or give over this animal(s) to anyone other than the Stafford SPCA and / or it's properly authorized affiliates, that I will be responsible for an additional charge and fee of no less than $750 to cover the costs involved, in whole or in part, in recovering the animal from any other 3rd party.
Virginia State Law governs this contract. In the event that legal action has to be brought to enforce any rights under this contract, all parties hereby consent that all actions will be brought, and venue is set in Stafford County, VA. If any part of this contract is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the contract will continue to be valid and enforceable.
