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*PLEASE NOTE- OUR STAFF WILL HAVE A PAPER COPY OF THIS CONTRACT WITH YOUR RESCUED PET'S INFORMATION ON IT AT THE EVENT FOR YOU TO SIGN. YOU ARE WELCOME TO PRINT THE COPY BELOW FOR YOUR RECORDS*
When you adopt through MARS, we ask that you sign our adoption contract. It may seem long and complex, but it only takes a couple minutes to read. You can save yourself time at the adoption event by becoming familiar with the contract before you arrive. It is posted here in its complete form.
A Friendly Note to Adopters: Our adoption agreement is designed with one purpose – to protect the companion animal that has come into our care. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about this agreement. Thank you for your cooperation.
Adopter's Name:_______________________________
Adopter's Address:______________________________
City:__________________State:___________zip:_____
Phone #: (________)_________-__________________
Email:________________________________________
PREAMBLE: I/we, the person and/or persons named above, herein after referred to as “Adopter,” agree(s) to adopt this dog, known as “_______________” hereinafter known as “dog” or “puppy” on this__________day of_____________, 2022, from Midwest Animal Rescue Service, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “M.A.R.S.”. In consideration of an adoption fee in the amount of $________, the Adopter acknowledges, and further agrees to, these provisions within this Agreement.
Initial_________
ADOPTION FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS: Any fees or contributions, adoption and other, are NON-REFUNDABLE. Each adoption fee not only aids in the cost of care for the pet that you are adopting, but helps to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all animals in our program, transportation to adoption events, and to vet appointments, etc. Your adoption fee (specified within this agreement) covers the care animals receive while in our care. This includes but is not limited to: age appropriate vaccinations (all three puppy for puppies 3 months of age or younger), Bordetella vaccination (kennel cough), age appropriate booster shots, minimum of two rounds of deworming, routine fecal float analysis, Parvo screening for puppies under 4 months, a heartworm test and microfilariae screening for dogs over 6 months, spay or neuter surgery for dogs 6 months and older, microchipping, and microchip registration. Detailed medical records are provided upon adoption and reviewed with the Adopter by a M.A.R.S. Team Member.
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MEDICAL RELEASE: From the date of adoption forward, this dog’s health is the full and sole responsibility of the Adopter both physically and financially. M.A.R.S. recommends that adopted pets are seen by a state-licensed Veterinarian within 72 hours of adoption, or the equivalent of three business days and whenever the animal needs medical attention, including yearly for rabies vaccines required by law, for the life of the dog or puppy. Adopter will arrange for immediate veterinary care in the event of serious illness or injury. M.A.R.S. strictly prohibits the cropping or docking of animals' ears or tails, or any procedures for cosmetic purposes. Should an Adopter violate this policy, it will result in immediate repossession of the animal, and fines of up to $1500. In the event an adopted pet must be humanely euthanized, the Adopter agrees to release the related veterinary records to M.A.R.S.
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SPAYING/NEUTERING: This adopted pet must be spayed or neutered within 14 days of adoption. This is required by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and proof of this procedure must be mailed to M.A.R.S. after it is completed. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in fines of up to $300.00 and seizure of the animal and/or legal prosecution. If a state-licensed Veterinarian unveils a health concern or medical condition that would prevent the surgery from being completed within the specified length of time, the Adopter is required to provide M.A.R.S. with a letter from the Veterinarian stating the reason for the delay in the surgery. The pet’s age is not a valid reason to postpone surgery past 6 months of age.
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POST-ADOPTION INFORMATION: I have received the M.A.R.S. post-adoption paperwork, consisting of a MARS Adopter letter explaining the adjustment period of adopted pets and where to send my pet’s proof of spay or neuter, a signed copy of my adopted pet’s medical record, and a rack card that specifies recommended toys, treats and cleaning supplies. The post-adoption information has been reviewed with me by a M.A.R.S. Team Member.
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HOUSING/TRANSPORT: The welfare of this dog or puppy is the sole responsibility of the Adopter. The Adopter agrees to provide the adopted pet with quality pet food, fresh water and grooming, clean and secure indoor housing, overall safety, and the tender loving care this dog or puppy deserves. Adopter will keep this dog or puppy as an inside pet and family member. Adopter is not permitted to house the adopted pet in any unsuitable or unsafe environment or structure. This pet will never be chained or tied outside except for supervised potty breaks, and never permitted to run loose outside without adequate fencing or training. Appropriately sized and constructed crating or kenneling is recommended when Adopter is not home in order to protect the pet from harm. The dog or puppy will never be permitted to ride uncontained in the back of a pick-up truck, or any other unenclosed vehicle or left unattenteded in a vehicle in extreme heat or cold.
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COLLAR/LICENSING TAGS: Adopter will legally license this dog or puppy within ten (10) days of adoption if required by the Adopter's city or county and assure that the pet is displaying proper identification at all times.
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CONDUCT OF DOG OR PUPPY: Adopter understands that no one can predict how a dog or puppy will react in a new situation. Adopter acknowledges the fact that animal rescue organizations only know what information previous owners have provided, or very little in the case of a stray, or animals from animal control facilities. Therefore, Adopter will exercise caution in introducing this dog or puppy into a new situation until the dog or puppy has become fully adjusted to its new environment and Adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with this dog’s/puppy’s personality. Adopter assumes full responsibility for the conduct of this dog or puppy and for any damage to persons or property. M.A.R.S. makes no explicit or implicit guarantees in reference to the health and/or temperament of the dog/puppy. M.A.R.S. has provided any and all available information with regards to the background and temperament of animals in the adoption program, however, Adopter accepts sole responsibility for the dog/puppy from the time of adoption forward based on the information provided at the time of this Agreement and was under no obligation to adopt this animal.
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OTHER USES: This dog or puppy will not be used for rituals, racing, and fighting, medical, or experimental purposes. This animal will be nothing other than a house pet, companion, and family member, unless the other use is previously approved by M.A.R.S. Other uses that may require prior approval but not limited to: service animal or working farm dog.
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TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP: The ownership and responsibility for this dog or puppy belongs solely to the Adopter. If the Adopter can no longer keep this dog or puppy or provide for the adopted pet, including food, shelter or veterinary care, Adopter will contact M.A.R.S. and offer the first right of refusal to re-accept the animal into the adoption program. The dog or puppy shall not be sold, given to, or adopted/transferred to anyone else, nor any other organization, such as a rescue facility, or animal shelter without expressed written permission from M.A.R.S. The Adopter will inform M.A.R.S. if the dog or puppy has any behavioral or medical conditions, which make finding another home inadvisable. If Adopter has to return the dog or puppy to M.A.R.S., return transportation is Adopter’s responsibility. Adopter agrees and acknowledges that M.A.R.S. is under no obligation to accept animals and can only take them in as kennel space permits.
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POST-ADOPTION CONTACT: Adopter understands that M.A.R.S. may reach out to him/her with regards to this dog or puppy’s well-being after adoption. Adopter will cooperate by providing whatever information is requested and Adopter will permit M.A.R.S. to visit the home or contact the Veterinarian, if so requested. Adopter will keep M.A.R.S. informed of any changes of address, email address or telephone number so that records and microchip information may be updated. If the dog or puppy becomes lost or stolen, Adopter will notify M.A.R.S. immediately.
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REPOSSESSION: Adopter understands that, in the event he/she does not follow the terms of this Agreement or Adopter is found to have neglected or abused the dog/puppy by a state-licensed Veterinarian, law enforcement or other animal authority, M.A.R.S. has the right to take possession of the pet. The Adopter agrees to pay M.A.R.S. any and all expenses, including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, with regards to enforcing the terms and provision of this Agreement. Adopter understands that in the event he/she gives false information or does not follow the terms of this contract, M.A.R.S. may reclaim this dog/puppy and start legal proceedings against Adopter at Adopter’s expense, and may assess damages in the amount of $1,000, plus legal fees, against Adopter.
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RELEASE STATEMENT
Adopter(s) of the dog/puppy identified in the Preamble of this Agreement, agree, understand and promises to forever release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless M.A.R.S., or any of its agents or representatives, board members, or any other person associated with this rescue, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns from any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, loss of services, actions and causes of action arising out of bodily injuries, mental anguish or property damage or any other occurrence from the present time on, caused by the adoption of this dog/puppy. Adopter(s) realizes that Adopter(s) hereby give up any right to take any legal action whatsoever against M.A.R.S., its agent or representatives, board members, administrators, executors and/or successors.
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I, herein referred to as “Adopter”, certify that I have read, understand and agree to, the terms of this Pet Adoption Agreement and Release Statement by voluntarily signing below.
Adopter’s Printed Name Adopter’s Signature Date
M.A.R.S. Representative’s Printed Name M.A.R.S. Representative’s Signature Date