Adopters Contractual Responsibilities

Each line will require an initial at adoption.

I understand that this is a rescue animal and as such may have a compromised immune system.

In adopting a pet from East Coast Humane Society and signing this contract you are agreeing to accept certain responsibilities.

Provide adequate and appropriate food, water, shelter, affection and interaction, and all routine and necessary veterinary care to maintain your pet's health, including uninterrupted administration of heartworm preventative medications and flea and tick  prevention .

Provide necessary licenses (ie: rabies tags) and comply with all state and your local ordinances relating to pet ownership.

Will NOT allow this animal to be used for medical experimentation, fighting, or breeding.

Will NOT dock the tail and/or crop ears, unless for a medical reason.

Never allow this animal to run at large or to leave it chained or tethered, unattended in an unfenced area.

Take all appropriate precautions against escape or theft of this animal and will always have legible ID tag with current information on this pet. Also, you agree to never use a chain training collar as primary collar and will only use these when attached to a leash being held by a responsible person.

Use only humane training/disciplinary techniques and will enroll and attend an obedience course if problem behavior threatens your relationship with your new pet.

Allow East Coast Humane Society to examine the animal and its environment at any reasonable time and if, in its sole discretion, East Coast Humane Society is not satisfied with the conditions in which the animal is kept, may reclaim the animal (with no repayment of fees or expenses incurred by you).

I understand and accept the following statement: Animals respond differently to human actions; that their actions are often unpredictable by human standards; that they should be closely supervised when they are with children; that their behavior may change after the animals begin to accustom themselves to a new home. Because of this, East Coast Humane Society and the foster home make no claims or representations as to the temperament, health or mental disposition of any animal in our program, and further state that East Coast Humane Society or its fosters, affiliates, employees, volunteers, adoption partners, and any establishment that East Coast Humane Society adopts from are not responsible for any veterinary expenses in part or in whole. I understand that these are shelter animals and East Coast Humane Society puts forth every effort that the animal is healthy, but there is NO HEALTH GUARANTEE .

If for any reason, at any time, you are unable to keep this pet, you will contact East Coast Humane Society exclusively and make whatever arrangements are necessary to return the animal to them. You realize you cannot euthanize, give away, sell, take to a shelter, or otherwise dispose of this pet without express written permission from East Coast Humane Society. I understand that East Coast Humane Society is not required to take back the animal into their program. If this occurs, I will be solely responsible for finding a new home for my pet.

Contact the East Coast Humane Society in the event of the pet having major medical issues, is lost or stolen or you change your address and/or your phone numbers.

I understand that it could take up to thirty (30) days from the time I contact East Coast Humane Society before the pet can be returned. If I cannot wait thirty (30) days, I must have the pet flown to the airport designated by East Coast Humane Society at my expense.

Pay East Coast Humane Society the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) as liquidated damages in the event the terms of this contract are breached and agree that the foster home may seek return of the pet and you will be responsible for all attorney's fees and court costs involved.

I understand that puppies are not to be used for breeding and MUST be spayed or neutered by nine (9) months of age unless there is a medical reason not to do so. This is to be done at the new owner's expense. You must send proof of spay/neuter to East Coast Humane Society. If you fail to provide proof of spay/neuter, we may reclaim the animal with no repayment of fees or expenses incurred by you.

I understand that the age and breed listed for this pet is only an estimate as East Coast Humane Society has limited information on parentage as they rescues. We rarely know exact age, birth date, breed or medical history.

I understand that the main office for East Coast Humane Society is located in Georgia and that this pet may have

been transported to my state.

I understand that I am solely responsible for any and all veterinary expenses from this point forward. This is a shelter/rescue animal and there is no guarantee of it's health. There is no warranty made in regard to this animal's health and East Coast Humane Society and all of its affiliates will not reimburse veterinary expenses in part or in whole.

I understand that adoptions fees are non-refundable and not a donation for tax purposes. If I choose to return an adopted pet within seven (7) days of adoption, I will be issued a donation receipt for tax purposes. After seven (7) days a receipt may not be issued.

I understand that this is a rescue animal and a follow-up visit with my veterinarian should be made as soon as possible.

I understand that other animals in my home should be current on ALL vaccinations before I bring a rescue animal home.

In signing this contract I, the Adopter, further confirm that all information given in the application and interview are correct and accurate. I also understand that once the contract is signed and I have taken possession of the animal, I will be solely responsible for any actions of this animal and I agree to hold harmless East Coast Humane Society and its representatives from any liabilities or injuries caused by this animal or any causes of action, claims, suits or demands that arise from such injury or damages.