Michelle’s Kitten Rescue and Adoption Service

michelleskittenrescue.com

Dog Adoption Agreement

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

Rescue Organization: Michelle’s Kitten Rescue and Adoption Service

&

Adopter

Dog Info

Here after referred to as the “Dog.”

1. Adoption Fee

The Adopter agrees to pay a non-refundable adoption fee of $350.This fee helps offset the costs of veterinary care, food, and rescue operations.

2. Ownership

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

Failure to comply with this Agreement may result in the Rescue reclaiming the Dog. The Dog will be kept as a companion animal and will not be used for breeding, fighting, research, or any unlawful purpose.

3. Proper Care

The Adopter agrees to provide:

• Adequate food and fresh water daily

• Safe housing and shelter

• Veterinary care when needed

• Love, attention, and humane treatment

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

4. Veterinary Care

The Adopter agrees to:

• Take the dog 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.

The Rescue makes no guarantees regarding the Dog's future health, temperament, behavior, size, or suitability for any particular purpose.

5. Spay / Neuter

If the Dog has not been sterilized at the time of adoption due to age or physical condition, the Adopter agrees to have the Cat spayed or neutered by the agreed deadline and provide proof to the Rescue. Breeding the Dog is strictly prohibited.

Until the Dog has been sterilized, the Adopter agrees to keep the Dog away from unaltered (unfixed) animals of the opposite sex and to take all reasonable precautions to prevent breeding.

6. Identification

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

If the Dog is microchipped, the Adopter agrees to:

• Register the microchip in their name within 7 days of adoption

• Keep all contact information current with the microchip registry

• Notify the Rescue if the Dog is ever reported lost or stolen

If the Dog is not microchipped at the time of adoption, the Adopter agrees to have the Dog microchipped at their veterinarian’s earliest recommendation.

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

7. No Transfer, Sale, or Rehoming

The Dog 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 Dog, the Adopter agrees to:

1. Contact the Rescue immediately, and

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

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

8. Return Policy

If the Adopter determines that they can no longer keep the Dog for any reason, the Dog 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 Dog is returned

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

Adoption fees are non-refundable.

9. Lost or Missing Dog

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

10. Euthanasia

The Dog may only be euthanized by a licensed veterinarian.

Euthanasia may only occur when:

• The Dog 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.

11. 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 Dog.

12. Social Media, Photos, and Public Statements

The Adopter grants permission to the Rescue to use photographs, videos, or updates of the Dog 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 Dog 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 dog 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.

13. Right to Reclaim

The Rescue reserves the right to reclaim the Dog 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

• Attempting to rehome the Dog without Rescue approval

• Breeding Dog

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

14. 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 Dog is adopted as-is.

15. 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 Dog after adoption

The Adopter assumes full responsibility for the Dog upon adoption

16.Breach of Agreement and Liquidated Damages

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

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

• Rehoming or transferring the Dog without Rescue approval

• Failing to provide proper veterinary care

• Abuse, neglect, or abandonment

  
  

the Rescue reserves the right to:

1. Immediately reclaim the Dog, and

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

Additionally, the Adopter agrees that failure to surrender the Dog 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.