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North Iowa Sheltie Rescue
Adoption Contract
PO Box 518
Webster City, IA 50595

This agreement is made and hereby entered into, on this _______ day of ______________________, by and between North Iowa Sheltie Rescue, and __________________________, hereafter referred to as Adopter. The dog described below will hereafter be referred to as "Rescue sheltie", ”Dog", or "The dog", or "This dog".   The purpose of this contract is to ensure that adopter provides this dog with the best possible care and treatment throughout its life.   

Breed: ____________________ Purebred / Mix (A photo of dog is kept on file)

Color ___________ Male / Female         Age of dog at adoption: ______ Estimate / Known

DOB if known: _______________________________

In consideration of a donation of $ ________ ; North Iowa Sheltie Rescue agrees to allow Adopter to adopt, a Rescue Sheltie known as _____________________, under the terms set forth in this contract.

North Iowa Sheltie Rescue warrants that at this time and to the best of our knowledge this dog:

_____ Is current on all shots, is spayed or neutered, is heartworm negative, has been
           wormed, has been groomed, and is taking flea and heartworm  prevention medication.

_____ Is in good health, and free of any diseases.

_____ Other: ____________________________________________________

Adopter understands and agrees to abide by the following terms of adoption:

• If, within two weeks, for any reason, you decide this dog is not right for you or your family, you may return the dog to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue for a refund of your donation.  

• At this date of adoption, Adopter agrees to assume all medical expenses, food, grooming, and any other costs associated with this dog. If this dog needs veterinary care within 2 weeks of its adoption the adopter agrees to either pay for the vet care himself, or return the dog to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue for a refund of the adoption donation. North Iowa Sheltie Rescue does not pay for, nor reimburse for any veterinary services performed outside of our program.

• The Adopter agrees that ownership of this dog is not transferable. The Adopter agrees that if for any reason he/she is unable to continue to house and care for the dog, or if he/she should decide that he no longer wants to keep this dog, that he will immediately return the dog to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue.    In the case of a long distance adoption, it is the adopter's responsibility to transport the dog back to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue in a safe and approved manner.  There will be no refund after the 2 week period, unless approved by a North Iowa Sheltie Rescue representative.

• Adopter agrees to treat this animal in a humane and loving way at all times, and to make sure that anyone temporarily caring for this dog will do the same.
   
• Adopter understands that North Iowa Sheltie Rescue requires at least a fully fenced-in rear yard.  Invisible fencing is not acceptable. Adopter agrees to return the dog to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue immediately if they ever choose to live in a home that does not have a fully fenced-in yard.  This dog is never to be allowed off a leash when it is outdoors unless it is in a fenced-in secure area.  

• The Adopter agrees to provide this dog, (and all other animals he/she owns) with proper veterinary care as is recommended by his or her veterinarian, for the rest of each animal’s life. This includes yearly vaccinations and prevention of parasites, and fleas and ticks. Adopter also agrees to keep this dog on a monthly heartworm prevention and flea control program throughout the dog’s entire lifetime.  Adopter further agrees to take this dog to his/her veterinarian for a routine check up at least once every year, and to follow the advice of his veterinarian.  Adopter further gives North Iowa Sheltie Rescue permission to verify this care by contacting and talking with adopter’s veterinarian.

• Adopter understands that Shelties are a very shy breed, and are a great "runaway" risk during the first 30 days in a new home. Adopter understands to take extra precaution during the first month to prevent this dog from getting loose outside, or running out of a door that was left open.   Adopter agrees that IF this dog were to get loose, and become lost, adopter will contact Sheltie Rescue immediately.  Adopter agrees to follow the search instructions provided by Sheltie Rescue as provided.  Adopter agrees to provide any and all resources needed (both financial and/or otherwise) in the search and recovery of the dog.

• Adopter agrees to have an ID tag made, and attach it to the dog’s collar. Adopter agrees to make certain the dog wears its collar with ID tag at all times. The information on the tag should include at least your phone number.  Adopter agrees to make certain this ID tag always has current information on it. 

• Adopter agrees to license this dog according to any local ordinances.

• Adopter agrees to keep this dog clean and groomed at all times.

• Adopter agrees to feed a wholesome, premium dog food, and have fresh water available at all times.

• This dog is being placed with the strict understanding that it is going to a private home, to live as an indoor pet.  The Adopter agrees that this dog will reside in the home of the Adopter, not outside.   This means that this dog will be inside adopter’s home except for potty breaks and supervised playtime outside.  This dog may never be left outdoors if you are not home.

• Adopter understands that North Iowa Sheltie Rescue will never place a known biter. However, Adopter is fully aware and does understand that any dog may bite if provoked, or if scared, sick or injured.  Therefore, Adopter agrees to use caution when allowing any strange adult or child to be near this dog.  Adopter further agrees to never allow anyone to run up on, threaten, squeeze, poke, step on, or otherwise pose a perceived threat to this dog.

• Adopter understands that no one can predict what medical or temperament problems a dog may have in its lifetime. No one from our organization may guarantee anything other than the current health and temperament of this dog.

• The Adopter agrees that he/she is not acting as, or in part of any agent in the purchase of this Dog, and that the Adopter will not sell this Dog to any other person, agent, or pet store.

• Adopter grants permission for a representative of North Iowa Sheltie Rescue to visit the home at any time to check on the well being of this dog.  Adopter understands and agrees that North Iowa Sheltie Rescue may ask for this dog to be returned to them upon finding any evidence of neglect and/or abuse, or any breech of any part of this agreement, at no expense to North Iowa Sheltie Rescue, and with no refund of any monies.  IF North Iowa Sheltie Rescue does ask for this dog to be returned to them, Adopter agrees to do so within 24 hours.

• Should Avenue of the Saints Sheltie Rescue need to seek legal action against the Adopter for any violations of this Agreement, the Adopter hereby agrees it will assume any and all attorney costs, court fees, and any legal fee’s incurred, in the process of enforcing this contract, or reclaiming the dog.

I have read and understand this entire agreement, and do hereby agree to ALL the above terms.

Adopters Name: ________________________________________________

Adopters Signature:  _____________________________________________                               

Adopters Street Address: __________________________________________    

City: __________________________      State: ___________   Zip: __________

Home Phone: ________________________           Work Phone:  ___________________     

Date: ____________________________

Adopters Drivers License No: ________________________________________