Adoption Contract | NYC | In Our Hands Rescue

In Our Hands Rescue Adoption Contract

This is our standard adoption contract. Our number one concern is for the animals, and we strive to place them in good, loving homes.

All animal adoption contracts approved by In Our Hands Rescue are subject to the following terms and conditions:

The Adopter agrees that the animal will be kept only as a domesticated house pet. This means that dogs will be kept indoors except for periods of exercise in a fenced-in yard, dog run, or on a leash. Cats will be kept indoors at all times unless a screened-in porch or similar enclosure is available. The animal’s appearance will not be altered (declawing, tail docking, ear cropping), unless deemed medically necessary.

If the animal is not already spayed or neutered, the Adopter agrees to have him/her animal spayed or neutered as soon as possible, and within 4 weeks of adoption. The Adopter further agrees to provide proper veterinary care for the animal.

The Adopter grants In Our Hands Rescue the right to make periodic visits to the Adopter’s premises for the purpose of checking on the health and general welfare of the animal, and to verify that the animal has been spayed or neutered in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

The Adopter represents that all family or household members have agreed to the adoption of the animal and that all family or household members will abide by the terms of this agreement.

The Adopter is able to provide proof that (s)he is twenty-one years of age or older and is a head of household.

The Adopter has never been subject to legal action for cruelty to or neglect of animals. Furthermore, the Adopter has never owned an animal that has been confiscated by any animal control or humane organization for violations of state or local animal control regulations or animal adoption agreements.

If the Adopter is a tenant, (s)he agrees to provide written permission from the landlord/co-op/building management consenting to the animal adoption.

If for any reason the Adopter is unable to provide care to the animals, (s)he agrees to contact In Our Hands Rescue. Returns will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on the animal being up to date on all medical as well as the adopter providing a behavioral evaluation from a reputable trainer. The Adopter shall not offer the animal for sale or give the animal to any third party without the prior written consent of In Our Hands Rescue. If a return is agreed upon, the Adopter agrees they will give IOHR up to 2 weeks to find proper placement for the animal.

The Adopter agrees that In Our Hands Rescue shall have the right of immediate possession of the animal if, in the judgment of In Our Hands Rescue, the animals is receiving inadequate care, is being improperly housed or handled, or has not been spayed or neutered by the specified date.

The Adopter agrees to pay In Our Hands Rescue a sum of $1500.00 or more as liquidated damages in the event that the terms of this contract are breached. This liquidated damage value does not bar In Our Hands Rescue from seeking the return of the animal by judicial process or other legal means if necessary. If legal action is instituted, the Adopter agrees to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

The Adopter hereby declares that (s)he is aware of the following:

Animals are different from human beings in their responses to human actions.
The actions of animals are often unpredictable.
An animal’s behavior may change after it leaves the shelter and becomes accustomed to a home or other different environment.
In Our Hands Rescue makes no claims as to the temperament, health, or mental disposition of any animal put up for adoption.

The Adopter understands that there will be NO REFUNDS OF THE ADOPTION DONATION.

The Adopter acknowledges that (s)he has received a copy of the In Our Hands Rescue Contract Terms.

The management of In Our Hands Rescue reserves the right to deny

an application for reasons that might include, but are not limited to:

We do not feel the animal you have applied for is a good fit for your household
Your application does not provide us with enough information to approve you
You or your references have not been responsive to us
Your vet reference for your current animal(s) was not satisfactory
We do not feel you are fully prepared, for whatever reason, to bring an animal into your home, or are unable to determine this due to a language barrier or lack of communication
We do not feel the adopter is adequately able to care for the animals, either physically or financially
The applicant is too young

ANIMAL OWNERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.

ALL DECISIONS MADE BY IN OUR HANDS RESCUE ARE FINAL.

In Our Hands Rescue Spay & Neuter Contract

I agree to have the above described pet altered no later than 6 months of age (___/___/_____ ) by a licensed veterinarian of my choosing.

If my pet is 6 months of age or older, In Our Hands Rescue, Inc. agrees to spay/neuter at an IOHR at a rescue only facility in queens. If adopter chooses not to have the pet spay/neutered at the rescue only facility, adopter must provide proof of altering within 4 weeks of adoption via e-mail to: .

_____ (Initial here if pet is older than 6 months)

If my pet is less than 6 months old, In Our Hands Rescue, Inc. agrees to spay/neuter at an IOHR at a rescue only facility in queens. If adopter chooses not to have the pet spay/neutered at the rescue only facility, adopter must provide proof of altering within 4 weeks of 6 month age point. If adoptive pet is not altered by 6 months of age, owner must provide signed veterinarian records from a licensed veterinarian explaining the reasons why a delay of spay/neuter is in the best interest of the adoptive pet.

_____ (Initial here if pet is less than 6 months)

Low-cost spay/neuter services are available through organizations such as ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic, Humane Society of NY, The Toby Project (for Pitbull breeds), and Helping Paw. For additional information, visit:

I understand that by voluntarily signing this agreement, I am entering into a legal and binding contract with In Our Hands Rescue, Inc. (IOHR). Breach of any term(s) of this agreement is deemed actionable by IOHR. In the event there is a violation of the agreement, I agree to pay a minimum of $1,500.00 in damages. Additionally, in order to facilitate the collection of damages for breach of contract, I waive any challenge to venue and agree that the appropriate venue for this matter is the State of New York and the County of New York. Furthermore, I agree to accept service of process by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address provided in this adoption contract, and specifically waive any right to receive personal service.

I certify that I have read and understand the terms of this Spay / Neuter Agreement. I acknowledge that failure to comply with these terms shall result in legal action and/or immediate return of the adopted pet to In Our Hands Rescue, Inc.

Adoptive Owner: Within seven (7) days of the completion of the surgery, official veterinarian records must be submitted to In Our Hands Rescue, Inc. via e-mail to: . Owner acknowledges it is his/her responsibility to ensure compliance with this requirement.

Signature_______________ Date _________________