Adoption Agreement

Adopter Information

Animal Information (completed by Rescue)

Terms & Conditions

1. 1. Adoption Fee. Adopter pays a non-refundable adoption fee, which partially offsets the veterinary care this animal has already received. The fee does not represent the animal's value.
2. 2. Adopter Representations & Warranties. Adopter represents and warrants that Adopter: (a) is at least 18 years of age and legally able to enter this contract; (b) has never been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, or domestic violence involving animals; (c) is adopting this animal for personal companionship only and not for resale, research, fighting, or any commercial purpose; (d) all information provided to Rescue is true and accurate.
3. 3. Housing. If Adopter rents, Adopter confirms that cats are permitted under the lease and has obtained the landlord's consent (landlord name and phone verified at intake). Adopter shall notify Rescue of any change in housing within 72 hours.
4. 4. Standards of Care. Adopter agrees to provide, at Adopter's sole expense: (a) species-appropriate, nutritious food and fresh water daily; (b) a clean, climate-controlled indoor living environment; (c) an annual veterinary examination and all vaccines kept current; (d) prompt veterinary care for illness or injury; (e) humane treatment at all times, with no physical abuse or withholding of necessities. The animal shall not be left unattended without food, water, or care for 24 or more consecutive hours (defined here as "abandonment" and a breach of this Agreement).
5. 5. Spay/Neuter Agreement. Initial: ______. If the animal is not already spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, Adopter agrees to have the animal spayed or neutered within the first year following adoption, and as soon as the animal reaches the medically appropriate age (generally 4–6 months, or per the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian — sooner is better). For multi-animal adoptions, this obligation applies to EACH animal individually. Adopter shall provide written proof of the surgery from the veterinarian to Rescue within 14 days of the procedure. Failure to spay or neuter within this timeframe constitutes a breach of this Agreement entitling Rescue to reclaim the animal.
6. 6. Indoor Companion. The animal shall live indoors as a household companion and family member and shall not be kept outdoors unattended, tethered, or confined to a garage, basement, or shed as primary housing.
7. 7. No Declawing / No Alteration. Initial: ______. Adopter shall not have the cat declawed (onychectomy) or undergo a tendonectomy, ear cropping, tail docking, or any other non-therapeutic surgical alteration. Any such procedure is a material breach.
8. 8. No Rehoming — Return to Rescue. Initial: ______. If at any time, for any reason, Adopter is unable or unwilling to keep the animal, Adopter shall return the animal to Calico Hearts Foster & Rescue and shall NOT sell, trade, give away, surrender to an animal shelter or pound, transfer to another rescue, or abandon the animal. Adopter shall provide Rescue at least 7 days' notice before return so a foster space can be arranged. The animal shall not be euthanized except on the written recommendation of a licensed veterinarian to end incurable suffering. Adoption fees are not refunded upon return.
9. 9. Medical History & Health Disclaimer. Rescue discloses all known medical and behavioral history to the best of its knowledge. Rescue makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the animal's future health, temperament, or lifespan. Adopter assumes full responsibility for all veterinary and care costs from the date of adoption.
10. 10. Microchip Transfer. The microchip registration shall be transferred to Adopter at finalization; Rescue will update the registry accordingly. Adopter agrees to keep contact information current on the microchip registry.
11. 11. Emergency Caretaker. Adopter designates the Emergency Caretaker listed above to assume temporary or permanent care if Adopter becomes unable to care for the animal. Adopter shall notify the Emergency Caretaker and Rescue promptly of any incapacitating situation. The Emergency Caretaker is bound by these same terms should they take the animal in.
12. 12. Follow-Up & Inspection. Adopter agrees to permit reasonable follow-up check-ins by Rescue (phone, email, or visit by appointment) and to provide photos/updates upon request for the first 6 months of adoption.
13. 13. Notifications. Adopter shall notify Rescue within 72 hours of: (a) any change of address or phone; (b) serious illness, injury, escape, or death of the animal.
14. 14. Breach & Remedy. Initial: ______. Any breach of this Agreement, including failure to spay/neuter (§5), declawing (§7), or unauthorized rehoming (§8), entitles Rescue to reclaim the animal. For curable breaches, Adopter has 10 days from written notice to cure. Adopter shall be responsible for reasonable costs of repossession, including legal and transport costs.
15. 15. Hold Harmless & Indemnification. Initial: ______. Adopter assumes all risk and liability for the animal from the date of adoption. Adopter releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless Calico Hearts Foster & Rescue, its officers, volunteers, fosters, and agents from any claim, injury, damage, or liability arising from the animal's behavior or Adopter's ownership.
16. 16. Governing Law & Venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Colorado. Any action shall be brought in the courts of Mesa County, Colorado.
17. 17. Entire Agreement & Severability. This document is the entire agreement between the parties. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force.