Feline Adoption Contract

Which cat(s) are you adopting?

Permanent ownership of this animal is contingent upon compliance with this Agreement between Animal Safe Haven and Adoptions Inc (‘ASHA’) and the ‘Adopter’. In consideration of an adoption donation as described below in this adoption agreement, ASHA has transferred to the Adopter all rights, privileges, and responsibilities associated with the animal described in the Adoption Agreement.

At any time after the adoption if the Adopter reaches out to the rescue, ASHA will attempt to provide assistance, answering any questions regarding the pet, including assistance to nutritional concerns, referrals to veterinary clinics, trainers, etc. This does NOT include any monetary support and does not assure that ASHA will always be able to help, but that ASHA will attempt to the best of their ability.

The Adopter acknowledges that as of the date of this Agreement, IF the animal is not spayed or neutered at the time of the adoption, then the Adopter agrees to have the animal spayed or neutered by their own means before (s)he reaches the age of four (4) months, or within thirty (30) days of the time of the adoption. ASHA and/or their vet will have already provided the animal’s age. ASHA will try to provide appointments at low-cost spay/neuter clinics. The adopter will be responsible for transporting their new pet and paying for the surgery.

If the Adopter fails to provide timely proof of spaying/neutering within the time frame set forth above, this Agreement will be void and the appropriate legal authority will be notified. In addition, all rights and ownership of the animal shall automatically terminate and transfer back to ASHA, and ASHA will immediately assume possession of the animal. If the Adopter does not cooperate, the Adopter shall pay all reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in attempts to repossess the animal, as well as $500.00 in damages. If proof of spay/neuter is provided after the time limits set forth above, the Adopter retaining ownership of the animal shall be determined by ASHA on a case-by-case basis.

ASHA may allow extensions of the time period for receipt of a certificate from a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States that certifies that the animal has a medical condition which prevents him or her from being spayed/neutered, or that it would otherwise be detrimental to the health of the animal to be spayed/neutered. In such a case, the animal shall be spayed or neutered as soon as the animal is healthy enough, as certified by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. If this is not done, the repossession conditions set forth above will be enacted. Proof of spay/neuter (certificate or receipt that includes your information as well as the adopted animal’s information) should be sent in the form of a scan or photo to ashamaryland@gmail.com. If you have not received confirmation of receipt of the proof within seven (7) days of submitting it, please contact us at ashamaryland@gmail.com.

Adopter has read the adoption contract in full before the time of adoption as it relates to ownership responsibilities for the animal being adopted, and will receive the animal's medical records and microchip information following completion of adoption. The pet's medical records are available to adopters earlier upon request. The Adopter will take the animal to a licensed veterinarian when vaccine updates and health care is needed, and not later than one year from the last vet visit. Adopter will provide all required and/or needed veterinary care, including: rabies shots as required every one or three years; yearly booster vaccine shots; yearly fecal checks for internal parasites (worms); and prompt treatment by a licensed veterinarian for any illness or injury. The Adopter will provide proper food, shelter, water, and kind physical and mental treatment at all times.

The Adopter understands that the animal is believed to be in good health at this time unless otherwise noted. Adopter must schedule an introductory appointment for the animal at their vet within one (1) week of adopting the animal to have the new pet(s) seen ASAP for a wellness exam and send ASHA the veterinary exam notes to ashamaryland@gmail.com within 30 days of adopting. If the animal dies for any reason other than natural causes in old age, Adopter will notify ASHA within twenty-four (24) hours in case of potential contagion.

Adopter will not have the animal’s claws removed (de-claw surgery). Mutilation of the animal in this way will result in civil charges and the animal will be removed from the Adopter. As an alternative solution to furniture destruction, I (the Adopter) will provide adequate scratching posts, pads, etc. and/or utilize a type of safe claw covers (Soft Paws, etc). Adopter will not permanently modify any part of the animal without a veterinary medical necessity including but not limited to ear cropping, tail docking, dental extraction(s) or etc.

The Adopter further promises and agrees to indemnify and release ASHA Inc., its Officers, Representatives, Volunteers and Directors, of any and all liability arising from any known, unknown or any unanticipated damages to people or property caused by the animal(s). The Adopter is fully aware of, understands, and agrees to all of the terms and conditions of this release and indemnification provision, and acknowledges it is binding and enforceable by law.

The Adopter is adopting this animal from ASHA to be a companion animal to the Adopter or their family. The adopter is to be personally responsible for the humane care and control of this pet and will allow ASHA to see the animal by appointment within 48 hours of ASHA’s request to check health and well-being.

I (the Adopter) understand and agree that the adoption fee is not legally considered a charge or a fee, it is processed as a charitable donation to offset any and all care and services provided to this animal prior to its adoption, including but not limited to medical care, food, shelter, etc. Adopter understands and agrees that the amount paid is a nonrefundable donation made to the registered non-profit rescue and may be used as a tax write off.

Adopter will not abandon or give away the animal to any third party or relinquish it to any other rescue or animal control, nor dispose of it in any way except to return the adopted animal to ASHA. In the case the Adopter cannot or no longer wishes to retain the adopted animal, or if ASHA demands the animal's return for any reason, the Adopter MUST return the animal to ASHA in a prompt manner. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. If the Adopter must return the animal, Adopter will make no charges of any licensing, food, care, services, or other expenses.

Feline Adoption Fees: Kitten & Adolescent (under 1 year): $150. Adult (over 1 year): $100. Please make sure to submit the applicable adoption fee at www.rescueandadopt.org/donate. The $15 home check deposit is subtracted from the adoption fee. We offer a 15% discount on adult cat adoption fees for police & active duty military, first responders, and teachers. Proof of any of those affiliations is required.
There is a 15% discount for adopting 2 or more adult cats at once. No more than one discount may be applied.

By filling in my full legal name below I understand & agree that I am over the age of eighteen (18) years of age, I have read all of the adoption contract, and that I am adopting this animal from Animal Safe Haven & Adoptions, Inc. (ASHA) of my own free will with the understanding and agreement of the above adoption contract.