Are Dog Adoption Contracts Legal?
Those looking to adopt a dog, or those looking to place a dog up for adoption could benefit from drawing up a legal contract. Many animal shelters have perspective dog owners sign a contract before releasing the dog into their care. These contracts, just like any other contract, will be legally binding in a court of law. Anyone interested in adopting a dog should first make sure they have the time, dedication and means to support it.
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Conditions
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The conditions of a dog contract are created by the owner of the dog or the shelter from which the dog is being adopted. The major condition is that the potential owner will be responsible for the dog's well being. For example, the potential owner must agree to feed the dog and supply it with water. If the dog is not already spayed or neutered, the potential owner must agree to have the procedure done. The potential owner must also agree to take the dog to obedience classes and a veterinarian when shots are required. These and other terms must be in writing and signed by all parties involved.
Breach
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In the event that the new owner of the dog fails to comply with the conditions outlined in their contract, the shelter or original dog owner has the right to take the dog back. The owner may also have to pay a fine. If the owner can no longer look after the dog for any other reason, he must contact the shelter from which it was adopted and give them a reasonable amount of time to find a new home for it. The owner must inform the shelter of any behavior problems the dog may have obtained, such as aggression or biting, since leaving the shelter.
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Early Return
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Some dog adoption contracts allow the new owner to return the dog within a specific amount of time for a full refund. These terms of adoption are created by either the dog owner or the shelter. However, any expenses spent on the dog during this period of time, such as money spent on food or training, will not be returned. Once this window of time runs out, no refund can be granted.
Warning
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There are many reasons a person might want to place his dog up for adoption, including an increase in its behavior problems. However, some of these problems can be resolved with a trip to the veterinarian's office. For example, a house-trained dog who begins urinating within the home may not be developing behavior problems but rather may be suffering through a urinary tract infection. Veterinarians can rule out any medical conditions that may be causing behavior problems or fix the problem itself. If the problem is not medically related, the veterinarian may be able to recommend a dog behaviorist who can help.
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- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
