Michelle’s Kitten Rescue and Adoption Service

michelleskittenrescue.com

Cat Adoption Agreement

This Adoption Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between:

Rescue Organization: Michelle’s Kitten Rescue and Adoption Service

&

Adopter

Cat Info

Here after referred to as the “Cat.”

1. Adoption Fee

The Adopter agrees to pay a non-refundable adoption fee of $375.This fee helps offset the costs of veterinary care, food, and rescue operations.

2. Ownership

The Rescue transfers companion animal ownership of the Cat to the Adopter, subject to the conditions outlined in this Agreement.

Failure to comply with this Agreement may result in the Rescue reclaiming the Cat.

3. Safe Environment - Indoor-Only Requirement

The Cat must be kept indoors at all times and may only go outdoors if:

• In a secure catio, or

• On a harness and leash under supervision

The Cat may never be allowed to roam freely outdoors.

Adopter will provide a safe environment including screens on windows. If Adoptee is a kitten, toilet lids will be kept closed. Guests will be informed, not to let the cat outside. Cat will not be placed in a home

where other cats have not been spayed/neutered, been tested for FIV/LUK and are not up to date on their vaccines.

4. Proper Care

The Adopter agrees to provide:

• Adequate food and fresh water daily

• A clean litter box

• Safe housing and shelter

• Veterinary care when needed

• Love, attention, and humane treatment

The Cat shall never be abused, neglected, or abandoned.

5. Veterinary Care

The Adopter agrees to:

• Take the Cat to a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of adoption

• Maintain routine veterinary care

• Keep vaccinations up to date

• Seek prompt medical treatment if illness or injury occurs

All veterinary costs after adoption are the responsibility of the Adopter.

6. Spay / Neuter

Michelle's Kitten Rescue adoption fee includes the full cost of spay/neuter surgery. There is no additional charge to the adopter for the procedure.

If the cat or kitten has not yet been sterilized at the time of adoption due to age or medical reasons, Michelle's Kitten Rescue will schedule the spay/neuter appointment through the OSPCA once the animal is eligible. The adopter is responsible for transporting the cat or kitten to and from the scheduled appointment.

If the adopter fails to attend the scheduled appointment or does not provide sufficient notice to reschedule, resulting in a no-show or missed appointment, the adopter will be responsible for any no-show or rebooking fee charged by the OSPCA, currently $100.

Breeding the cat or kitten is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.

7. Identification

The Adopter agrees that the Cat will maintain permanent identification at all times.

Michelle's Kitten Rescue microchips all cats and kittens at the time of their spay/neuter surgery. For cats or kittens already sterilized prior to adoption, the microchip will have been implanted before adoption. For kittens adopted prior to their spay/neuter surgery, the microchip will be implanted during their scheduled spay/neuter procedure at no additional cost to the adopter.

The Adopter agrees to:

• Register the microchip in their name within 7 days of receiving the microchip information.

• Keep all contact information current with the microchip registry.

• Notify Michelle's Kitten Rescue if the Cat is ever reported lost or stolen.

Collars with identification tags are strongly recommended but do not replace permanent microchip identification.

8. No Transfer, Sale, or Rehoming

The Cat may not be sold, given away, transferred, or surrendered to any other individual, rescue, shelter, research facility, pet store, or organization.

If the Adopter is no longer able or willing to care for the Cat, the Adopter agrees to:

1. Contact the Rescue immediately, and

2. Return the Cat to the Rescue or follow instructions provided by the Rescue regarding rehoming.

Under no circumstances may the Cat be advertised, listed online, or rehomed privately without the written permission of the Rescue.

9. Return Policy

If the Adopter determines that they can no longer keep the Cat for any reason, the Cat must be returned to the Rescue.

The Adopter agrees to:

• Provide 3–5 days notice whenever possible to allow the Rescue to arrange intake or boarding

• Continue providing safe and proper care until the Cat is returned

• Return all medical records and supplies originally provided by the Rescue

Adoption fees are non-refundable.

10. Lost or Missing Cat

If the Cat becomes lost or escapes, the Adopter agrees to take immediate and active efforts to locate the Cat, including:

• Contacting the Rescue immediately

• Filing lost reports with local animal shelters and veterinarians

• Posting notices in the local community and online lost pet groups

• Checking shelters regularly

The Adopter understands that indoor-only cats are particularly vulnerable outdoors, and reasonable precautions must always be taken to prevent escape.

11. Euthanasia

The Cat may only be euthanized by a licensed veterinarian.

Euthanasia may only occur when:

• The Cat is suffering from a serious medical condition, terminal illness, or severe injury

• A licensed veterinarian recommends euthanasia for humane reasons

Whenever possible, the Rescue should be notified prior to euthanasia so the Rescue may provide support or guidance.

12. Follow-Up and Welfare Checks

The Adopter agrees that the Rescue may conduct reasonable follow-up communication after adoption.

This may include:

• Phone calls or emails

• Photo or update requests

• Occasional welfare checks if concerns arise

These follow-ups are intended solely to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the Cat.

13. No Declawing

The Adopter agrees that the Cat shall never be declawed.

Declawing (onychectomy) is considered an inhumane procedure by this Rescue and is strictly prohibited under this Agreement.

If scratching behavior becomes a concern, the Adopter agrees to use humane alternatives, including but not limited to:

• Providing appropriate scratching posts or surfaces

• Regular nail trimming

• Nail caps

• Behavioral training or veterinary consultation

Under no circumstances may the Cat undergo declawing surgery unless medically necessary and recommended by a licensed veterinarian for a legitimate medical condition, and the Rescue must be notified prior to the procedure whenever possible.

Violation of this clause will be considered a breach of this Agreement.

14. Social Media, Photos, and Public Statements

The Adopter grants permission to the Rescue to use photographs, videos, or updates of the Cat for rescue-related purposes, including but not limited to:

• Social media posts

• Adoption success stories

• Rescue promotional materials

• Educational or fundraising content

The Adopter may also voluntarily provide updates or photos of the Cat following adoption. These updates are appreciated but not required.

The Rescue agrees that no personal identifying information of the Adopter will be shared publicly without consent, unless required by law.

The Adopter agrees that if any concerns or issues arise regarding the Cat or the adoption process, they will make reasonable efforts to contact the Rescue directly to seek resolution before posting complaints publicly online.

The Adopter further agrees not to knowingly publish false, misleading, or defamatory statements about the Rescue, its volunteers, or representatives on social media or other public platforms.

Nothing in this clause is intended to prevent the Adopter from sharing honest experiences or opinions; however, both parties agree to communicate respectfully and in good faith.

15. Right to Reclaim

The Rescue reserves the right to reclaim the Cat without refund if there is reasonable evidence that the terms of this Agreement are not being followed.

This may include situations such as:

• Neglect, abuse, or unsafe living conditions

• Failure to provide veterinary care

• Allowing the Cat to roam outdoors unsupervised

• Attempting to rehome the Cat without Rescue approval

• Breeding or declawing the Cat

The Adopter agrees to surrender the Cat immediately upon request if the Rescue exercises this right.

16. No Warranty

The Rescue makes no guarantees regarding the Cat’s temperament, behavior, health, or compatibility with other animals or household members.

While the Rescue makes every effort to evaluate and disclose known medical or behavioral information, the Cat is adopted as-is.

17. Release of Liability

The Adopter agrees to release and hold harmless the Rescue, its volunteers, and representatives from any liability for:

• Injuries

• Property damage

• Veterinary expenses

• Behavioral issues

• Any other claims arising from ownership of the Cat after adoption

The Adopter assumes full responsibility for the Cat upon adoption

18.Breach of Agreement and Liquidated Damages

The Adopter understands that the terms of this Agreement are essential to protecting the welfare of the Cat.

If the Adopter violates any provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to:

• Allowing the Cat to roam outdoors unsupervised

• Declawing the Cat

• Rehoming or transferring the Cat without Rescue approval

• Failing to provide proper veterinary care

• Abuse, neglect, or abandonment

  
  

the Rescue reserves the right to:

1. Immediately reclaim the Cat, and

2. Recover any reasonable expenses incurred in reclaiming or caring for the Cat.

Additionally, the Adopter agrees that failure to surrender the Cat upon request, or any serious breach of this Agreement, will result in liquidated damages in the amount of $3,000, agreed upon by both parties as a reasonable estimate of the Rescue’s damages, costs, and enforcement expenses.

This amount does not limit the Rescue’s right to pursue additional legal remedies if necessary.

Entire Agreement and Governing Law

This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Rescue and the Adopter.

Any modifications must be made in writing and signed by both parties.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Ontario, Canada, and any legal disputes shall fall under the jurisdiction of Ontario courts.