Adoption Contract

Please initial in agreement and sign at the end

I agree to keep said pet on heartworm prevention for the first year of ownership, then be retested for heartworms at the end of that year. I understand that, due to the delay between infection and the ability of a test to detect infection, the rescue cannot guarantee that he/she will remain heartworm negative. This animal has already tested negative for heartworms or has completed treatment. Keeping said pet on prevention for one year lowers the dog’s chances of testing positive later and protects against reproduction of possible heartworms, until complete die-off.  Local Texas adoptions shall agree to keep pet on prevention for the entirety of pet’s life.

I agree that the rescue makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied about said animals condition, health, or temperament, and is hereby absolved from any liability for future claims, legal actions, losses, damages or injuries caused by said animal, starting the moment the animal is handed over to the new owners.

I agree to the non-refundable adoption fee of $250 and transport fee of $250 (if being transported) for a total $500 when invoice is recieved.
 

I agree to be a responsible pet owner with the upkeep of vaccinations as recommended for my region and by AAHA guidelines, to obtain veterinary care as necessary, invest in doggy daycare and training as necessary, and do everything in my power to be the parent my pet needs me to be for the rest of its life.

If adopting an unaltered puppy, said animal must be spayed/neutered by 6 months old and proof of surgery shall be promptly supplied to the rescue. Spay/neuter is included in the adoption fee and can be performed at several low cost spay and neuter clinics, which WAR can recommend.  

If you should choose to use your own vet, WAR will reimburse the adopter up to the cost of what would have been paid at a low cost spay and neuter clinic. 

I understand that it can take up to 3 months for my new pet to adjust to the new routine and environment and “settle in” upon entering my home. 

I will not take my new pet to the dog park within that 3 month period.

I agree to show my new pet love and patience and do everything in my power to set my new pet up for success in my home. If I am no longer able to keep my pet I will contact the rescue coordinator to discuss what is in the best interest of my pet

I acknowledge that I am responsible for any harm or damage my new pet may inflict on any person, other dog, or property once I take physical possession of said dog. I commit to set my dog up for success with structured interactions and appropriate leash usage.

I understand that the rescue does not condone or recommend dog park visits in the first several months of ownership while getting to know my new pet and its personality and preferences. 

I acknowledge that Wag Again Rescue, in extreme circumstances, reserves the right to repossess the Pet at any time if they feel that the Pet is in danger.

Repossession of said Pet will result in the adopter(me) paying for any costs incurred to rehome the pet to include transport, boarding, vetting, retraining and rehabilitation, etc. of said Pet. 

If I cannot keep the pet for any reason, as the adopter I understand the adoption fee is a non-refundable donation and that as the adopter I am required to keep the dog safe either in my residence or at my expense for up to 30 days should it not work out and I am REQUIRED to contact Wag Again to discuss what is in the best interest of the pet and the pet can NOT be surrendered, adopted out, or euthanized.

Breach of this clause will result in the Adopter being responsible  for any costs incurred to rehome the pet to include transport, boarding, vetting, retraining and rehabilitation, etc. of said Pet and civil liabilities up to $10,000.00.

I agree to set my new family member up for sucess through a basic obedience course within one year of adoption. Once my new family member has taken this course, I will email the certificate to Wag Again Rescue. 

Heartworms

Thank you so much for adopting a Texas rescue pup! We are so excited about your life together. While there are amazing things about saving a life from Texas, there are some risks involved and we must fully disclose the risk of heartworms. Heartworms are a serious and ongoing issue in this part of the country. Because of this we cannot 100% guarantee that your dog will remain heartworm negative. Your dog is currently testing heartworm negative or has been treated for heartworms already. Our current protocols for treatment are 97-99% effective. Also, a dog will still test positive for up to seven months after completing treatment as it can take up to seven months for the antigens that cause a positive test to go away. It is very important to know that keeping your dog on heartworm prevention for at least one year after arrival will drastically lower down the line. You do not have to worry about heartworms being contagious with an animal that is currently on prevention. We start heartworm prevention at 8 weeks of age and your dog’s foster can tell you the last date of prevention so that you can continue it monthly, or you can just change it to the first of every month to make it easier to remember. It is your responsibility to obtain the next 12 months of prevention from your veterinarian. Even if the vet tells you this is not necessary, we ask that you listen to our advice and continue as agreed. The reality is that heartworms can be detected on a test months down the line after leaving Texas. If you are giving the heartworm prevention then they will not have a chance to reproduce, and die-off will eventually occur. An additional heartworm test at the end of the first year of ownership will provide confirmation that the animal is negative for heartworms and at that time you may decide with your veterinarian if you wish to continue prevention, although your vet will likely not recommend it as contracting heartworms in your region is very rare. If you have additional questions about heartworms or the use of preventative pills please speak with your coordinator.  We have amazing animals who need you. Keeping your pet on prevention for one year is an added precaution and a prudent measure for the health of your pet.