Sample Contract

This is the wording (if not the layout) of our contract -- printable version in MS Word 2000 is also online (SOON).

TNAMR and the undersigned (“Adopter” or “you”), in consideration of the mutual promises made in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, intending to be legally bound by this Agreement, agree to the following:

1. The Dog. TNAMR is placing the following described dog with you, the Adopter, for adoption by you as an indoor pet (the “Dog”):

Male __ Female    Name 
Color/Markings/Breed 
Distinguishing characteristics (if any) 
Birth Date      Spay/Neuter Date 
Vaccinations & Dates             De-worming date 
HW tested     Last monthly HW prevention
Flea/Tick prevention  Adams Topical             Last date of Flea/Trick prevention 
Initial Dog’s Veterinarian                               Telephone 
Follow-up Veterinarian       Telephone 

2. Adoption Fee. We require an adoption fee of $ ____ for the Dog, to help defray our expenses for the Dog’s food and veterinary care.  We have a limited budget.  The adoption fee is not refundable under any circumstances.  Any donation you can make in addition to the adoption fee would be greatly appreciated.

3. No representations. You understand that this Dog was previously unwanted or lost and may have been rescued from us from a dangerous, unhealthy and/or cruel situation.  This could have long-lasting effects on the Dog.  You agree that we are making no representations or warranties about the condition, personality, or temperament of the Dog.

4. Care of the Dog. You agree to provide the Dog with free run of your house, fresh water, wholesome dog food, adequate outdoor exercise and affection.  You will walk the Dog on a leash, or place the Dog in a protected run or other enclosed outdoor area, and never allow the Dog to roam free unsupervised.  You will treat the Dog as a household pet, companion and family member, and not leave the Dog chained, cooped and/or otherwise confined for extended periods of time.  You agree never to use the Dog for dog fighting or any other “sport” in which one animals is pitted against another, and never to beat or taunt the Dog in order to promote aggressive “guard dog” characteristics.

5. Veterinary care. You agree to have the Dog examined by a licensed veterinarian within 7days of adoption and not less than a year thereafter.  In case of illness or injury, you agree to seek prompt veterinary care.  You agree to keep all required vaccinations current, including but not limited to, Rabies & Distemper, and to ensure that the Dog receives preventative medicine to protect against heartworm.  You consent to us inquiring with your veterinarian about the Dog after the adoption, and to us looking over your property at a mutually convenient time.

6. Transfer, Euthanasia. You agree not to abandon, give away, sell or dispose of the Dog in any way, and to notify us immediately at any time you determine you no longer want, or no longer can, keep the Dog, so that we can take the Dog back to arrange another adoption.  You agree that you may never surrender the Dog to an animal shelter which euthanizes surplus pets.  You agree that you may not euthanized the Dog except in the case of the Dog’s terminal illness or injury, or old age accompanied by pain and suffering, and in that case, the euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian in a private clinic or hospital.

7. Lost Dog. You agree to make a serious effort to find the Dog if it becomes lost, by immediately (a) file lost reports with the local police, animal control authorities, animal shelters, SPCA’s and local veterinarians, and (b) posting lost dog signs, and (c) contacting us for additional service.

8. Breach of Agreement; Liquidation Damages. In the event that you do not comply with the terms of this Agreement, or the Dog is abused or neglected, one of our remedies will be to recover the Dog from you upon demand.  Promptly after the demand we will come to your residence and you will surrender the Dog to us immediately.  In addition, without waiving any of our rights under this Agreement, if you do not surrender the Dog to us, you will owe us a payment in the amount of $500.00 agreed between us as just and reasonable liquidated damages to compensate us for our costs and expenses in connection with your breach of this Agreement.

9. No Liability. Neither TNAMR, its volunteers nor its officers are liable for any claims, legal actions, losses, injuries, damages, costs, expenses, or liabilities whatsoever in connection with your adoption or ownership of the Dog.

10. Entire Agreement; Modification; Binding Effect.  This Agreement is the entire agreement between you and us, and supercedes any prior understandings between you and us with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.  No modification of this Agreement will be valid unless in writing duly signed by both you and us.  This Agreement is binding upon you and your heirs, assigns, successors, personal representatives and executors.

Dated       

ADOPTER     TNAMR
                                 By                 
Signature           
                                                      
                                                      
Street Address          Street Address
                                                      
City, State Zip          City, State Zip
                                                      
Telephone                          Telephone
                                                      
email                                           email
                                   
Signature spouse / partner / roommate                                           
               SIGN IN DUPLICATE