When we adopt an animal, before taking it home we will be asked to sign an adoption contract. This document has Legal validity And it will be very useful, both to the adopter and to the animal shelter that was caring for the furry friend until now. But, What exactly?
If you have questions about this topic and don't want any surprises, I'll try to answer them all below  .
What is an animal adoption contract?
The adoption contract is a legal and binding document which both the animal shelter and the adopter sign at the time the animal is adopted. It contains their written agreement. all agreements reached between both parties to ensure the well-being of the animal and to make clear the responsibility of the adopter.
This contract includes, among other things:
- Adoption rates that the adopter must pay (to cover basic veterinary expenses, identification, etc.).
- Animal health status at the time of delivery, with reference to vaccinations, deworming, possible previous illnesses and treatments performed.
- Adopter's commitments, such as surrendering the animal if you cannot take care of it, notifying us if you change your address, and taking good care of it.
There are two main types of adoption contracts that may vary slightly in their wording but pursue the same purpose: protect the animal and ensure their long-term well-being:
- Contract between private individuals: It is signed when a person gives their animal directly to another person, without the intervention of animal shelters.
- Contract between a protective association and an individualThis is the most common when the animal comes from a shelter, city council or refuge.
This is therefore a very important document, since the expectation is that the animal will end up in good hands and not to those that are not. In this way, it is prevented from ending up abandoned, given away without control, or used for other unauthorized purposes, such as the indiscriminate breedinghunting or economic exploitation.
What does the adoption contract regulate?
The adoption contract clearly regulates all the conditions of adoption and the rules that must be followed throughout the animal's life. It not only covers the handover itself, but also establishes the obligations of the new owner.
Like any other contract, it is made up of clauses where the most important points of the agreement are reflected, such as:
- When and where The animal is handed over.
- Amount that the adopter must pay in adoption fees.
- General condition of the animal (basic data, identification, approximate nature).
- Diseases you have or have had, results of the tests performed and the veterinarian who treated him.
- Veterinary treatments performed: sterilization, vaccination, internal and external deworming or other procedures.
In most cases, it is usually attached vaccination record properly sealed, as well as a veterinary report where the animal's health status at the time of adoption is certified. In this way, both the person giving up the animal and the person adopting it have a clear and up-to-date record of the animal.
Commitments and obligations of the adopter
The adoption contract may seem serious or even threatening, but it is actually a set of common sense commitments which any animal lover takes for granted. Basically, the adopter commits to take good care of the animal and respect their physical and emotional needs.
The most common obligations included in the contract usually include:
- Properly care for the animal: guaranteeing them food, water, hygiene, exercise and a safe and familiar environment.
- Do not mistreat or exploit the animalnor allow third parties to do so.
- Do not use it for breeding nor for economic or exploitation purposes; if the animal is not sterilized, a sterilization commitment within a set timeframe.
- Do not neglect or abandon itand not to give it to third parties without first informing the shelter or individual who gave it to you.
- Accept follow-up to the adoption, which may consist of phone calls, messages, sending photos or arranged visits, to check that the animal is okay.
- Report important changes such as change of address, contact phone number, or significant changes in the family situation that affect the animal.
- To surrender the animal voluntarily to the animal shelter or the individual who handed it over if, for any reason, they can no longer care for it.
Some contracts also stipulate that, if the animal belongs to a breed classified as potentially dangerousThe adopter must have the required licenses, permits, and insurance. In addition, a [prescription/certification/certification] is usually recommended or required. liability insurance to cover damages that the animal might cause.
Requirements for the contract to be truly valid
Anyway, For the contract to be truly valid, all the details of the animal shelter must be included. (Tax ID, registered office address, association registration number), the ID of the adopter as well as his address, plus Both parties must sign it.
It is important to keep in mind two key points for the contract to have full legal effect:
- Each party must keep a copy Signed contract. Both the adopter and the animal shelter or individual giving up the animal must keep their copy.
- All pages must be signed. by both parties, not just the last one, so that the complete content is validated.
It is also recommended that a document be submitted along with the contract. veterinary report o vaccination record that certifies the animal's health status. When the adoption is between private individuals, it is highly advisable to check that the health record is up to date, with the required vaccinations recorded and, if possible, with the updated veterinary history.
Information that usually appears in the contract
Although the format may vary depending on the animal shelter or the person drafting the document, a complete adoption contract usually includes, at a minimum, the following: information blocks:
- Animal data: name, species, breed or crossbreed, sex, microchip number, identification card number, approximate age and any relevant features.
- Health status: if it is dewormed, vaccinated, sterilized and results of specific tests (e.g., FIV, FeLV in cats, or leishmaniasis in dogs from endemic areas).
- Adopter's informationName and surname, ID number, full address, contact phone numbers and email address.
- Details of the person or entity transferring: in the case of a protector, its name, tax identification number, registered office and association registration number are included; in the case of a private individual, their personal data and identity document.
- Specific clauses: specific commitments regarding care, follow-up visits, mandatory sterilization, return of the animal if it cannot be cared for, etc.
For many shelters, preparing an animal for adoption involves a series of steps veterinary costs (microchip implantation, vaccination, deworming, sterilization when appropriate…). These expenses are usually covered by a adoption rate which is paid by the adopter at the time of signing, and which is normally not returned even if the animal is returned or dies later.
What happens if the adoption contract is breached?
All in all, we'll be able to take our new friend home and care for him as he deserves. However, we need to know that if we we mistreat, the we neglect or we don't neuter him within the expected timeframe, the animal shelter has the legal right to recover the animalThe same applies when abandonment, exploitation or serious breach of any of the agreed clauses is detected.
If it is found that the animal is not receiving adequate care or that any of the commitments of the contract have been breached, the animal shelter or the individual who gave it up for adoption may:
- Claim the return of the animal and regain custody.
- Initiate legal action if the adopter refuses to hand it over or if there have been acts constituting mistreatment or abandonment.
- In some contracts, requiring the adopter to assume the legal expenses if non-compliance is proven.
Far from being a simple formality, the adoption contract is a tool that helps each animal find a responsible householdWith people who are aware of their commitment and the obligations they assume upon signing. If you fully understand its contents and sign it thoughtfully, it becomes the best guarantee for a long, happy, and safe life with your new partner for everyone.
