Southern Shih Tzu & Toy Breed Rescue
www.ToyBreedRescue.org
Adoption Contract
This agreement is made this _______ day of ________________ in the year ________, by and between Southern Shih Tzu
& Toy Breed Rescue (SSTR), hereinafter referred to as "rescuer" and ___________________________________________
hereinafter referred to as the "adopter." The adopter hereby understands, promises, and agrees that in receipt of this dog to
forever release, discharge and covenant to hold harmless rescuer and by other related person, firm, or organization charged
or chargeable with responsibility or liability, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns from any and all
claims, damages, and costs, expenses, loss of services, actions and causes of action belonging to the said adopter, arising
out of any act or occurrence from the present time until the dog is returned to adopter pursuant to the paragraph entitled
“Transfer of Ownership” below, if any such return occurs, and particularity on account of the adoption of:
Name: _________________ Rescue Number: __________________ Gender: ______________
Breed: _________________ Color/Size: ________________________ Approx Age: __________
hereinafter referred to as "this dog" or the "dog." The adopter hereby declares that no representations about the nature of
the adopted dog, nor any representations regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or of financial responsibility have
induced the adopter to sign this contract.
Adoption Donation/Fee
In consideration of delivery of the dog from rescuer, adopter agrees to payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of
$___________ and further the adopter acknowledges the following provisions as defined: The fee is not a sale price, but a fee
request to defer or reimburse rescuer for any and all medical expenses, transport or any other expenses incurred by the dog
or rescuer; as well as, supporting the continued efforts in rescue. Adoption fee may be submitted in cash, check or money
order. Check MUST be made payable to: SSTR
Spay/Neuter Agreement
This is a contract of MANDATORY Spay/Neuter as defined herein. No adopted animals shall be used for breeding purposes. If
not already altered, said dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty (60) days of adoption or, by the time that the dog
reaches six (6) mos. of age and rescuer must receive a veterinary record confirming the spay or neuter. There will be a follow
up and the dog will be removed if the spay/neuter clause is not respected. The above mentioned dog is not spayed due to age.
Transfer of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescuer must be returned to rescuer if for any reason the adopter can no longer keep it The dog shall
NOT be sold, given to or adopted to anyone else, nor shall there be any transfer of ownership to any firm, corporation, or
organization of other homeless animals; such as another rescue facility, or research facility. If/When necessary, family
member transfer of ownership may be acceptable and must have prior approval of SSTR. Violation of this agreement will
result in court costs and attorney fees payable by the adopter if necessary for rescuer to redeem the dog.
Environment
The dog shall reside indoors only, in the adopter's home, and live as a family member and companion only. The dog will not be
kept outdoors or at any other time left alone outdoors while the adopter is not at home. However, during the adopters
absence the dog may be confined to a room such as a bedroom/bathroom of adequate size, preferably closed in by a baby
gate. The adopter is not to expose the dog to harmful objects, poisons, or other living creatures that may endanger the dog's
life. The dog may not be crated for long periods, except for travel safety. (Most rescue dogs have a severe fear of crates and
may have spent a majority of their life in a crate.)
Adequate Fencing
The adopter shall provide an adequately fenced area for the dog’s exercise, play and elimination. The dog will NEVER be
allowed off leash except within adequate fencing. The adopter agrees that the definition of an adequate fence is a fence that
encloses a yard. An adequate fence is one that prevents the dog within to go out of the area by jumping, digging or exiting
through gates not properly secured. The fence will prevent any other animal from entering the property the dog lives on, and
will be secure enough to prevent intruders or small children from easily gaining entry. The adequate fence does not include a
split rail,, electric or invisible fence. A shock or electric, collar is not acceptable.
A kennel environment is not acceptable for housing, safety or the emotional well being of the dog. If the dog should be able to
jump over or dig under, the fence it is no longer an adequate fence and must be repaired by raising it to six (6) feet or sealing
any and all weak spots immediately. This decision on whether a home is adequately fenced will be made by rescuer, not by
the adopter. While the fence is not serving the purpose, the adopter shall not leave the dog unattended in the yard at any time.
Health Program
The dog shall be provided with complete healthcare; yearly routine care, emergency care and all other needs as
recommended by licensed veterinarian. The dog shall remain on seasonal heartworm preventative for the entire lifespan of
the dog. Rescuer reserves the right to verify with the adopter's veterinarian that the heartworm preventative has been
purchased and that the dog has a yearly blood test for this purpose. The adult dog when adopted will be seen by a
veterinarian within one week of the adoption date so the heartworm preventative can be continued. It is advisable to do the
fecal test at that time to be certain the dog is free of parasites. Rescuer reserves the right to check with the veterinarian at
anytime to verify that all the basic health requirements are being done. Renewal of rabies vaccine is required by law and
therefore by the terms of this contract.
Important Notice Temperament and Health
Rescuer makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the dog. The dog is
adopted "as is" and, so long as the dog has not been reclaimed by, or returned to, rescuer, the adopter assumes all
responsibility for treatment of any and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that
may occur. Rescuer will provide the dog with the basic vaccines, spay/neuter and heartworm test before adoption if the age
and current health of the dog permits. While the rescuer makes every effort to place only healthy animals, the rescuer cannot
guarantee the health of any animal and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses which may be incurred, hereby
expressly excluding any implied or express warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, including,
without limitation, any warranties regarding health, temperament or whether the animal is housebroken.
Grooming
Grooming must be maintained to breed standards at all times, preferably by a professional groomer. Giving special attention
to the eyes due to the common eye problems associated with the toy breeds. The eyes must be wiped clean from debris, hair,
etc daily and/or as needed.
Collars and Tags
It is highly recommended and strongly preferred this dog wear an identification tag and rabies tag (displaying complete
contact information), at all times. We also prefer the dog wear the SSTR ID tag as a back up contact. The dog will NOT wear a
pinch (cleat) collar, nor choke collar or any similar article around the neck for the purpose of any basic training, any basic
correcting or for permanent use of identification. Harnesses and halters are acceptable alternatives.
Training
Under no circumstances will this dog be trained for protection, attack or guard dog. The dog will not be encouraged to show
any aggressive or agitated behavior. The dog will be a family member only and only participate in good citizen, basic
obedience, search and rescue, therapy dog training, or service dog training.
Transportation
The dog will not ride in the back of a pickup truck under any circumstances including those such as in a cage/kennel, or tied.
The dog shall not remain in any vehicle in extreme heat, with windows down or unattended for any amount of time.
Remedy For Non-compliance
It is agreed that rescuer shall retain superior title in said animal limited to and for the express purpose of assuring the
animal's well-being and only exercise its superior claim in the event it appears to rescuer that the proper and humane care as
specified in the above adoption provisions is not being afforded said animal, in which case the animal may be taken through a
claim and delivery proceeding. Rescuer agrees to make demand on adopter for return of the dog, and upon agreement by
adopter to return the dog at adopter’s expense, to allow for a reasonable number of days for such return prior to commencing
any legal action to enforce this contract; provided, however, that if demand is made in person by rescuer or its authorized
representative, adopter shall surrender the dog immediately. The adopter further agrees that if there is any breach or default
of the terms of this contract, and the dog must be redeemed through a claim and delivery service, that the adopter will be held
liable for all court costs and fees for the adopter's attorney and for rescuer's attorney. This has been read to the adopter and
explained to the adopter. The adopter has read this, understands and agrees to this and is signing this contract. Rescuer
agrees that return of the dog, on a voluntary basis or through such claim and delivery proceeding (together with the costs and
fees of such proceeding as provided in this section), shall be rescuer’s sole remedy for noncompliance with this agreement.
Rescuer's Reservation Of Rights
Rescuer reserves the right to follow up on this adoption to inspect the animal and where the animal is kept for the sole
purpose of determining compliance with the terms of the within contract by making a personal visit to the premises of the
adopter at anytime during the entire lifespan of the dog. If the terms and conditions of this contract are not upheld by the
adopter and/or any misrepresentations have been made by the adopter, rescuer reserves the right to terminate this contract
and the adopters will agree to allow a representative of rescuer to reclaim the dog without notice, except as expressly
provided herein, or refund. Upon such reclamation, if any, adopter shall have no further liability in connection with the dog or
this contract. The adopter further agrees to pay liquidated damages in the amount of fifty dollars per day for every day after
the adopter fails to comply with the agreement terms and refuses to willingly surrender the dog after demand from rescuer as
provided herein. Rescuer's reservation of rights also includes not adopting a dog into, or relocating to, an area or environment
that may endanger the life of the dog after the adoption. If the dog becomes lost, seriously injured, and/or permanently
disfigured, or for any reason the dog dies the rescuer must be notified immediately at the address provided on the signature
page hereof or such other address delivered by rescuer to adopter from time to time.
Adopter's Acknowledgment of Terms
I hereby acknowledge receipt of the above-described animal and therefore agree to the following terms:
• This dog must be an inside pet only.
• The dog will not be allowed off leash except within adequate fencing.
• Grooming should be maintained to breed standards and daily eye cleaning to maintain healthy sight.
• The dog will not be chained to a doghouse or chained outside to any type of object or outbuilding.
• The dog is not to live in a garage, doghouse or any type of outbuilding.
• The dog is not to be crated, except for travel safety.
• While the adopter is at home, the dog is not to remain solely in one room, not to be confined to either the crate
or a room and must have free roam of the house as a family member.
• The dog is not to be left with small children at anytime when unattended by an adult.
• The dog is to have adequate food, water and shelter at all times.
• The adopter must provide rescuer with the name of the veterinarian the dog is going to and notify rescuer if
there is a change.
• The adopter shall refrain from physical abuse of the animal and from otherwise treating the animal in an inhumane
manner.
Change of Address and Notification
The adopter agrees to notify rescuer no less than ten (10) days prior to change of address, change of environment that will
affect the dog, or any incident involving animal control and/or complaints arising from said ownership of the dog.
Costs of Enforcement
Should it become necessary for us to take action to recover an adopted dog or otherwise enforce the provisions of the
adoption contract agreement, the undersigned adopter(s) will be responsible for all court costs and all attorney fees
representing either the adopter or rescuer.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential agreement between the adopter and the rescuer; provided, however, that the existence and terms of this
agreement may be shared with veterinarians and others necessary or desirable in connection with the proper care of the dog
and may be shared as necessary or desirable in connection with the enforcement hereof.
Right of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescue is the "sole property" of rescue and has been surrendered as such by private owners or animal
facilities that have signed a statement agreeing that the above mentioned dog is not owned property of any other person, firm
or organization. Rescuer shall not be held liable, charged, or chargeable for any misrepresentations unknown to this rescuer.
I certify that all statements made by me on this adoption agreement and on the adoption application are true and correct. I agree
rescuer has the right to confiscate the above-described animal in the event that any statements made by me are found to be false
and/or my check for the adoption fee is returned for insufficient funds.
Dog Name: ______________________
Signed This ___________________ Day Of __________________________ , ____________
Adopter Signature(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Adopter Printed Name(s): __________________________________________________________________
Adopter's Address: _______________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: __________________
Home Phone: ______________________________ Work Phone: _________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________________________ Email Address: _______________________________
Please return contract and adoption fee to the contact below prior to adoption or at the time of pick up.
Contract can also be faxed to 256-237-7179
Rescue Contact Information:
Southern Shih Tzu & Toy Breed Rescue
Tammy Owen - Exe Director
PO Box 8072, Anniston, AL 36202
256-310-6825 ~ 256-237-7179 Fax
southernshihtzurescue@hotmail.com
www.ToyBreedRescue.org
Adoption Contract
This agreement is made this _______ day of ________________ in the year ________, by and between Southern Shih Tzu
& Toy Breed Rescue (SSTR), hereinafter referred to as "rescuer" and ___________________________________________
hereinafter referred to as the "adopter." The adopter hereby understands, promises, and agrees that in receipt of this dog to
forever release, discharge and covenant to hold harmless rescuer and by other related person, firm, or organization charged
or chargeable with responsibility or liability, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns from any and all
claims, damages, and costs, expenses, loss of services, actions and causes of action belonging to the said adopter, arising
out of any act or occurrence from the present time until the dog is returned to adopter pursuant to the paragraph entitled
“Transfer of Ownership” below, if any such return occurs, and particularity on account of the adoption of:
Name: _________________ Rescue Number: __________________ Gender: ______________
Breed: _________________ Color/Size: ________________________ Approx Age: __________
hereinafter referred to as "this dog" or the "dog." The adopter hereby declares that no representations about the nature of
the adopted dog, nor any representations regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or of financial responsibility have
induced the adopter to sign this contract.
Adoption Donation/Fee
In consideration of delivery of the dog from rescuer, adopter agrees to payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of
$___________ and further the adopter acknowledges the following provisions as defined: The fee is not a sale price, but a fee
request to defer or reimburse rescuer for any and all medical expenses, transport or any other expenses incurred by the dog
or rescuer; as well as, supporting the continued efforts in rescue. Adoption fee may be submitted in cash, check or money
order. Check MUST be made payable to: SSTR
Spay/Neuter Agreement
This is a contract of MANDATORY Spay/Neuter as defined herein. No adopted animals shall be used for breeding purposes. If
not already altered, said dog must be spayed or neutered within sixty (60) days of adoption or, by the time that the dog
reaches six (6) mos. of age and rescuer must receive a veterinary record confirming the spay or neuter. There will be a follow
up and the dog will be removed if the spay/neuter clause is not respected. The above mentioned dog is not spayed due to age.
Transfer of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescuer must be returned to rescuer if for any reason the adopter can no longer keep it The dog shall
NOT be sold, given to or adopted to anyone else, nor shall there be any transfer of ownership to any firm, corporation, or
organization of other homeless animals; such as another rescue facility, or research facility. If/When necessary, family
member transfer of ownership may be acceptable and must have prior approval of SSTR. Violation of this agreement will
result in court costs and attorney fees payable by the adopter if necessary for rescuer to redeem the dog.
Environment
The dog shall reside indoors only, in the adopter's home, and live as a family member and companion only. The dog will not be
kept outdoors or at any other time left alone outdoors while the adopter is not at home. However, during the adopters
absence the dog may be confined to a room such as a bedroom/bathroom of adequate size, preferably closed in by a baby
gate. The adopter is not to expose the dog to harmful objects, poisons, or other living creatures that may endanger the dog's
life. The dog may not be crated for long periods, except for travel safety. (Most rescue dogs have a severe fear of crates and
may have spent a majority of their life in a crate.)
Adequate Fencing
The adopter shall provide an adequately fenced area for the dog’s exercise, play and elimination. The dog will NEVER be
allowed off leash except within adequate fencing. The adopter agrees that the definition of an adequate fence is a fence that
encloses a yard. An adequate fence is one that prevents the dog within to go out of the area by jumping, digging or exiting
through gates not properly secured. The fence will prevent any other animal from entering the property the dog lives on, and
will be secure enough to prevent intruders or small children from easily gaining entry. The adequate fence does not include a
split rail,, electric or invisible fence. A shock or electric, collar is not acceptable.
A kennel environment is not acceptable for housing, safety or the emotional well being of the dog. If the dog should be able to
jump over or dig under, the fence it is no longer an adequate fence and must be repaired by raising it to six (6) feet or sealing
any and all weak spots immediately. This decision on whether a home is adequately fenced will be made by rescuer, not by
the adopter. While the fence is not serving the purpose, the adopter shall not leave the dog unattended in the yard at any time.
Health Program
The dog shall be provided with complete healthcare; yearly routine care, emergency care and all other needs as
recommended by licensed veterinarian. The dog shall remain on seasonal heartworm preventative for the entire lifespan of
the dog. Rescuer reserves the right to verify with the adopter's veterinarian that the heartworm preventative has been
purchased and that the dog has a yearly blood test for this purpose. The adult dog when adopted will be seen by a
veterinarian within one week of the adoption date so the heartworm preventative can be continued. It is advisable to do the
fecal test at that time to be certain the dog is free of parasites. Rescuer reserves the right to check with the veterinarian at
anytime to verify that all the basic health requirements are being done. Renewal of rabies vaccine is required by law and
therefore by the terms of this contract.
Important Notice Temperament and Health
Rescuer makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the dog. The dog is
adopted "as is" and, so long as the dog has not been reclaimed by, or returned to, rescuer, the adopter assumes all
responsibility for treatment of any and all existing conditions or any other conditions of physical or temperament changes that
may occur. Rescuer will provide the dog with the basic vaccines, spay/neuter and heartworm test before adoption if the age
and current health of the dog permits. While the rescuer makes every effort to place only healthy animals, the rescuer cannot
guarantee the health of any animal and shall not be held responsible for any medical expenses which may be incurred, hereby
expressly excluding any implied or express warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, including,
without limitation, any warranties regarding health, temperament or whether the animal is housebroken.
Grooming
Grooming must be maintained to breed standards at all times, preferably by a professional groomer. Giving special attention
to the eyes due to the common eye problems associated with the toy breeds. The eyes must be wiped clean from debris, hair,
etc daily and/or as needed.
Collars and Tags
It is highly recommended and strongly preferred this dog wear an identification tag and rabies tag (displaying complete
contact information), at all times. We also prefer the dog wear the SSTR ID tag as a back up contact. The dog will NOT wear a
pinch (cleat) collar, nor choke collar or any similar article around the neck for the purpose of any basic training, any basic
correcting or for permanent use of identification. Harnesses and halters are acceptable alternatives.
Training
Under no circumstances will this dog be trained for protection, attack or guard dog. The dog will not be encouraged to show
any aggressive or agitated behavior. The dog will be a family member only and only participate in good citizen, basic
obedience, search and rescue, therapy dog training, or service dog training.
Transportation
The dog will not ride in the back of a pickup truck under any circumstances including those such as in a cage/kennel, or tied.
The dog shall not remain in any vehicle in extreme heat, with windows down or unattended for any amount of time.
Remedy For Non-compliance
It is agreed that rescuer shall retain superior title in said animal limited to and for the express purpose of assuring the
animal's well-being and only exercise its superior claim in the event it appears to rescuer that the proper and humane care as
specified in the above adoption provisions is not being afforded said animal, in which case the animal may be taken through a
claim and delivery proceeding. Rescuer agrees to make demand on adopter for return of the dog, and upon agreement by
adopter to return the dog at adopter’s expense, to allow for a reasonable number of days for such return prior to commencing
any legal action to enforce this contract; provided, however, that if demand is made in person by rescuer or its authorized
representative, adopter shall surrender the dog immediately. The adopter further agrees that if there is any breach or default
of the terms of this contract, and the dog must be redeemed through a claim and delivery service, that the adopter will be held
liable for all court costs and fees for the adopter's attorney and for rescuer's attorney. This has been read to the adopter and
explained to the adopter. The adopter has read this, understands and agrees to this and is signing this contract. Rescuer
agrees that return of the dog, on a voluntary basis or through such claim and delivery proceeding (together with the costs and
fees of such proceeding as provided in this section), shall be rescuer’s sole remedy for noncompliance with this agreement.
Rescuer's Reservation Of Rights
Rescuer reserves the right to follow up on this adoption to inspect the animal and where the animal is kept for the sole
purpose of determining compliance with the terms of the within contract by making a personal visit to the premises of the
adopter at anytime during the entire lifespan of the dog. If the terms and conditions of this contract are not upheld by the
adopter and/or any misrepresentations have been made by the adopter, rescuer reserves the right to terminate this contract
and the adopters will agree to allow a representative of rescuer to reclaim the dog without notice, except as expressly
provided herein, or refund. Upon such reclamation, if any, adopter shall have no further liability in connection with the dog or
this contract. The adopter further agrees to pay liquidated damages in the amount of fifty dollars per day for every day after
the adopter fails to comply with the agreement terms and refuses to willingly surrender the dog after demand from rescuer as
provided herein. Rescuer's reservation of rights also includes not adopting a dog into, or relocating to, an area or environment
that may endanger the life of the dog after the adoption. If the dog becomes lost, seriously injured, and/or permanently
disfigured, or for any reason the dog dies the rescuer must be notified immediately at the address provided on the signature
page hereof or such other address delivered by rescuer to adopter from time to time.
Adopter's Acknowledgment of Terms
I hereby acknowledge receipt of the above-described animal and therefore agree to the following terms:
• This dog must be an inside pet only.
• The dog will not be allowed off leash except within adequate fencing.
• Grooming should be maintained to breed standards and daily eye cleaning to maintain healthy sight.
• The dog will not be chained to a doghouse or chained outside to any type of object or outbuilding.
• The dog is not to live in a garage, doghouse or any type of outbuilding.
• The dog is not to be crated, except for travel safety.
• While the adopter is at home, the dog is not to remain solely in one room, not to be confined to either the crate
or a room and must have free roam of the house as a family member.
• The dog is not to be left with small children at anytime when unattended by an adult.
• The dog is to have adequate food, water and shelter at all times.
• The adopter must provide rescuer with the name of the veterinarian the dog is going to and notify rescuer if
there is a change.
• The adopter shall refrain from physical abuse of the animal and from otherwise treating the animal in an inhumane
manner.
Change of Address and Notification
The adopter agrees to notify rescuer no less than ten (10) days prior to change of address, change of environment that will
affect the dog, or any incident involving animal control and/or complaints arising from said ownership of the dog.
Costs of Enforcement
Should it become necessary for us to take action to recover an adopted dog or otherwise enforce the provisions of the
adoption contract agreement, the undersigned adopter(s) will be responsible for all court costs and all attorney fees
representing either the adopter or rescuer.
Confidentiality
This is a confidential agreement between the adopter and the rescuer; provided, however, that the existence and terms of this
agreement may be shared with veterinarians and others necessary or desirable in connection with the proper care of the dog
and may be shared as necessary or desirable in connection with the enforcement hereof.
Right of Ownership
The dog adopted from rescue is the "sole property" of rescue and has been surrendered as such by private owners or animal
facilities that have signed a statement agreeing that the above mentioned dog is not owned property of any other person, firm
or organization. Rescuer shall not be held liable, charged, or chargeable for any misrepresentations unknown to this rescuer.
I certify that all statements made by me on this adoption agreement and on the adoption application are true and correct. I agree
rescuer has the right to confiscate the above-described animal in the event that any statements made by me are found to be false
and/or my check for the adoption fee is returned for insufficient funds.
Dog Name: ______________________
Signed This ___________________ Day Of __________________________ , ____________
Adopter Signature(s): _____________________________________________________________________
Adopter Printed Name(s): __________________________________________________________________
Adopter's Address: _______________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: __________________
Home Phone: ______________________________ Work Phone: _________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________________________ Email Address: _______________________________
Please return contract and adoption fee to the contact below prior to adoption or at the time of pick up.
Contract can also be faxed to 256-237-7179
Rescue Contact Information:
Southern Shih Tzu & Toy Breed Rescue
Tammy Owen - Exe Director
PO Box 8072, Anniston, AL 36202
256-310-6825 ~ 256-237-7179 Fax
southernshihtzurescue@hotmail.com
