Adoption Terms & Conditions

(If you haven’t already done so, please be certain to read how to complete the application process to be approved to adopt.)

This Agreement entered into this date by and between Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, hereinafter DVGRR, and the applicant, hereinafter the ADOPTER, for the adoption of the above identified dog.

DVGRR AND ITS REPRESENTATIVES ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE OR INJURY CAUSED BY ANY DOG ADOPTED, NOR DO THEY MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR GUARANTEE AS TO A DOG’S  PRESENT OR FUTURE MEDICAL CONDITION OR TEMPERAMENT. I/WE UNDERSTAND THAT ANY DOG MAY BE PRONE TO MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL, OR GENETIC CONDITIONS NOT READILY EVIDENT.

Any changes or additional terms to these Terms and Conditions must be in the form of an Addendum and signed by all parties.

If any provision of the Agreement is or becomes void or unenforceable by force or operation of law, the other provisions shall remain valid and enforceable.

The entire Agreement between the parties is contained herein. Each clause, and the Terms and Conditions of Adoption in its entirety, has been read and understood by me/us. By signing this document I/we agree to adhere to the Terms and Conditions. I/we am/are signing of my/our own free will and not under duress of any kind. I/we affirm I/we have never been charged with animal cruelty, and am/are not an animal dealer or broker.

• Prior to adoption, I/we have received the dog’s file including health information, behavior assessment and this Adoption Agreement and have been given the opportunity to ask questions as needed, and to have the disclosed health information and behavior assessment reviewed by a veterinarian of my/our choice. I/we understand that DVGRR has provided me/us with all available information about the dog(s) and understand and agree there may be aspects of the dog’s history, present or future health, and present or future behavior that remain unknown. I/we acknowledge I/we are receiving an executed copy of the Terms of Adoption.
• I/We understand that our actions as adopters will affect the dog’s behavior based on aspects of the dog’s history, personality, and current environmental factors. I/We acknowledge DVGRR has disclosed all known behavioral history and observations made while the dog resided at DVGRR and I/We acknowledge behavior can change, either for better or worse or neutral.  Additionally, new behaviors can develop.  Some behaviors can be complex and may require evaluation and treatment in person by a qualified professional.  In this case DVGRR recommends the use of a certified trainer, behavioral consultant, or vet behaviorist.
• I/WE understand and agree that DVGRR relies on its veterinarians to provide recommended treatment (or non-treatment) protocol for any currently evident medical condition or test results. I/we understand that a veterinarian of my/our choice may choose an alternative treatment or interpret test results differently resulting in the starting, ending, or changing of a treatment protocol.  I/we understand and agree that any and all costs associated with a treatment protocol initiated by my/our chosen veterinarian is my/our sole responsibility, and DVGRR will not aid in the payment of any such costs.
• I/we understand there are costs involved in maintaining a dog, and hereby assume full responsibility for food bills, health care, general well-being and licensing of any dog adopted from DVGRR. The dog will be placed in a safe environment when left alone at home, and I/we agree not to tie or chain the dog indoors or in a yard, and agree to train or re-train him/her to be a good companion. At no time shall the dog be kept or housed in a garage regardless of how well it is kept.
• I/we agree to contact DVGRR immediately if dog becomes lost or is stolen. DVGRR is to be notified when the dog dies.
• I/we agree to allow DVGRR to periodically check to confirm the dog’s acceptance of the new environment and family and to ensure compliance with all Adoption Agreement conditions. This may include a home visit. DVGRR retains the right to visit and examine the dog(s) at any time.
• I/we agree to contact DVGRR with any questions or concerns regarding the adoption process or any concerns or questions post adoption.
• DVGRR also retains the right to reclaim dog(s) when warranted because of neglect, abuse, inadequate home or veterinary care, or breach of contract. The ADOPTER agrees to relinquish custody of dog to DVGRR immediately upon request without legal writ or order until the situation warranting the reclamation is rectified.
• DVGRR strongly suggests allowing up to a 30-day period of time for the dog to adjust to its new surroundings and new family.
• I/we am/are aware the dog must be returned to DVGRR if ADOPTER cannot keep the dog – EXCEPT in the case of euthanasia for any TERMINAL health illness/condition or behavioral reasons – and must not be abandoned, sold or given to any other party or in any other manner be transferred to different ownership.  If the dog is being returned from outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is required by state dog law for the dog to have a health certificate and current rabies certificate, obtained by the adopter from their veterinarian, to be brought back into Pennsylvania.  DVGRR can assist by providing the adopter with the necessary form.  If any dog adopted from DVGRR is returned within 30 days and is in the same or better condition, DVGRR will consider a request by the adopter to refund up to 50% of the adoption donation. Adopter must transport dog back to DVGRR’s Golden Gateway.
• I/we agree dog will always be supervised when not in fenced area, and the dog will not be transported in the back of an open vehicle such as a pick-up truck and understand state law requires that all dogs out of a securely fenced area be under control at all times. The ADOPTER(S) agree that dog will be kept as a house dog, not a kennel dog, and that the dog will not be kept chained or on a tie-out at any time. Tie-outs are not substitutes for a fenced yard or run. DVGRR strongly recommends that the dog be kept on lead at all times and not be allowed to run free.
• I/we will provide dog with a current license according to state and local laws and adhere to local and state leash laws. The ADOPTER agrees to license the dog within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this agreement.
• I/we agree that a collar with appropriate license, rabies, and identification tags (ADOPTER’S address and/or telephone number) must be worn at all times when dog is off owner’s property. DVGRR recommends a buckle or martingale-type collar. Choke chain or prong collars are NOT recommended for use at any time. The dog may not be attack trained or allowed to engage in any dog fighting activity, and the dog will not be used in experiments or research of any kind.
• I/we agree to notify DVGRR of any change in address or phone number.
• I/we agree to provide quality veterinary care for dog including, but not limited to, DHLPP booster and regular rabies vaccination. The ADOPTER agrees to test dog for heartworm and keep dog on heartworm preventative recommended by the veterinarian. The ADOPTER agrees to seek prompt veterinary care when indicated by symptoms or an emergency.
• If euthanasia becomes necessary for any TERMINAL health illness/condition or behavioral reason, the dog must NOT be turned over to a Humane Society, animal shelter, or returned to DVGRR for euthanasia, and ADOPTER agrees to have a veterinarian perform this service at the adopter’s expense.
• I/we received documentation showing the dog’s microchip company and I/we will be listed as the primary contact with DVGRR as the secondary contact.
• I/we understand that DVGRR strongly recommends that the adopted dog be registered for an obedience course with a qualified trainer who supports positive reinforcement as a training tool.
• I/we understand that at any time during the life of the dog, DVGRR is available to assist with any questions concerning the adopted dog.
• I/we understand that I/we are taking responsibility for any dog I/we adopt from DVGRR, and DVGRR shall not be responsible for any damages, costs or expenses, liquidated or otherwise, incurred by the ADOPTER resulting from a placement including but not limited to, damage or injury to persons or property by the dog, and in this connection, the adopter releases, indemnifies and holds DVGRR harmless from any and all liability of any kind and every nature and cause directly or indirectly relating to this placement. Once a dog is adopted, if it is found to be neglected or abused, DVGRR reserves the right to reclaim the dog.
• I/we understand that dogs may carry diseases and parasites that may be transmissible to humans. I/We understand that these zoonotic diseases may be transmitted to anyone, but people with suppressed immune systems (due to an immune disorder, cancer treatment, organ transplantation, etc.) are at greatest risk, and I/we hold DVGRR harmless.
• Should it be necessary for DVGRR to take legal action to recover this adopted dog or otherwise enforce provisions in this agreement, I/we agree to pay all courts costs and legal fees including attorney fees.
• I/we hereby forever release, discharge and covenant to hold harmless DVGRR, and any other person, firm or corporation charged or chargeable with responsibility or liability, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns, from any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, loss of services, actions and causes of action belonging to the said ADOPTER(s) arising out of any act or occurrence for the present or future time, and particularly on account of the adoption of a dog.
• I/we hereby declare(s) that no representations about the nature of dog, or any representation regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or financial responsibility have induced the ADOPTER(s) to make this release and indemnity agreement.
• I/we understand that while every effort is made to provide accurate history and assessment of a dog, DVGRR does not warrant a dog regarding current or future health, medical status, behavior, disposition, or fitness for any special purpose. The primary and ONLY function of a “rescue” dog is that of a housepet. DVGRR will not adopt dogs with the intent to be trained as a service dog.
• I/we attest that the information provided on this application is true and accurate to the best of my/our knowledge.

By signing below, you also agree that DVGRR and individuals and/or corporations connected with DVGRR – whether caretakers, volunteers, veterinarians, board members, officers, directors, employees or anyone else involved with the organization (collectively called DVGRR Participants) – will not be responsible or liable to you for anything this adopted dog(s) does and that you will defend DVGRR and the DVGRR Participants from any claims by anyone else related to anything the adopted dog does after adoption.

At DVGRR, we take a great deal of pride in the level of care we provide to the dogs in our program, including X-rays for senior dogs and a 21-panel blood chemistry for all dogs. It far exceeds what most rescues and shelters offer. Based on those diagnostics and a general exam by our veterinarian, we address and treat any issues that are uncovered. We are completely transparent about the dog’s medical status and relay all veterinary information we have at the time of adoption. Again, the Golden Tales binder that contains this and all behavior and training notes is not something most rescues and shelters provide.
Upon adoption, the dog becomes the legal property of the adopter, and from that point, we cannot be responsible for conditions found after adoption. We can certainly recommend some veterinarians that we work with, and as always, an adopter is welcome to return the dog to our program.