Adoption Policies

Adoption Terms and Conditions

1. The Pet:

We are conditionally placing the following described animal with you, the Adopter, for adoption by you as a pet.

2: Right to First Refusal:

In the event that you can't keep this animal, ARF has the right to first refusal. You must give ARF written notice at least seven (7) days to take this pet back before giving away, selling, trading, or surrendering this pet to anyone else. Under no circumstances may this animal be sold, given away, traded, or surrendered to another shelter, rescue group, company, or individual without first giving ARF 7 days to reclaim this pet. In the event this pet is sold, traded, or given away without notification provided to ARF at least 7 days prior to disposing of the pet, you agree to pay all fees associated with reclaiming the animal plus a $500 fee payable to ARF within thirty days for the time and energy spent on the part of ARF to retrieve the animal.

3. The Adoption Fee:

ARF requires an adoption fee which has is not a sales price of the pet. The adoption fee helps ARF defray costs associated with the care and well being of this dog. The adoption fee is refundable for a period of seven (7) days if the animal is returned to ARF in the same condition it was in when it left ARF. After seven days, the adoption fee is non-refundable even if the animal is returned to our care. During the first 7 days of adoption you are encouraged to take this animal into the vet of your choice for an initial vet exam. If within the first seven days of adoption if your vet finds a problem that would have been present upon adoption, ARF will be responsible for reasonable treatment with the vet of ARF's choice. If you choose to use a different vet, ARF will not be held responsible for any bills associated with the treatment.

No Representations/Liability:
You understand that ARF is making no guarantees as the future health or temperament of this dog, and agree to release ARF from any future bills related to the health or temperament of this animal. Furthermore, ARF, nor any of it's volunteers, employees, or persons otherwise associated with ARF are liable to you for any claims, legal actions, losses, injuries, damages, costs, expenses, or liabilities whatsoever in connection with your adoption or ownership of the pet.

Care of the Animal:
You agree to provide proper care, food and water, shelter, and veterinary care to this animal for the life of the pet. This includes but is not limited to: minimum of twice daily feedings of nutritionally complete pet food (once daily only at the recommendation of a veterinarian); access to fresh water at all times; access to shelter when outdoors; minimum of yearly vet exams and necessary vaccinations and medications as recommended by your vet and as required by law; a safe indoor home environment; and daily attention and exercise. You also agree not to crate or otherwise confine this animal for more than eight (8) hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period of time. Furthermore, you agree that this animal will not be chained or tethered outside for a period of more than twenty minutes at a time nor will it be forced to stay outside at night or during inclement weather (rain, snow, over 90 degrees, under 50 degrees).

Identification:
(Dogs):You agree to keep a collar with an identification tag with a current phone number on your pet at all times in addition to the ARF tag provided at the time of adoption. Additional ARF tags are available for one dollar ($1). Furthermore, if this animal is microchipped, whether through ARF or with your vet, you agree to update your personal information in the event of a move or new phone number. You also agree to list ARF as the secondary contact for the microchip for the entire lifetime of the pet.

Euthanasia:
You agree that this pet may not be euthanized except in the case of terminal illness, severe aggression, or old age coupled with pain or suffering. You agree to not euthanize this pet if is healthy and of sound temperament. You must contact ARF if you are no longer able to care for the pet. In the event of terminal illness or pain and suffering, you must take the pet to a veterinary clinic or hospital for humane euthanasia. In no circumstances may this pet be killed or euthanized by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian or persons certified in euthanasia.

Lost Pet:
You agree to begin to search for a lost pet within 12 hours of the pets disappearance. Within 24 hours of the pet's disappearance, you agree to notify ARF as well as all of your local shelters, humane societies, and other animal control or care facilities. At minimum you also agree to hang signs, notify neighbors, or run an ad in the local lost and found section of your newspaper.

Entire Agreement; Modification; Binding Effect:
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes any prior understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. No modification of this Agreement will be valid unless it is made in writing and duly signed by both parties. This Agreement is binding upon you and your heirs, assigns, successors, personal representatives and executors.

Choice of Law:
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana and the parties hereto consent and agree that any action brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in the courts of Delaware County, Indiana.