Smith Rescue Ranch

Calhan, CO 80808  

www.smithrescueranch.org

ANIMAL PLACEMENT CONTRACT

Smith Rescue Ranch, a private rescue, by and through ________________________________ and the undersigned (hereinafter referred to as “Owner” or “you”), in consideration of the terms, conditions and promises hereinafter set forth in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, intending to be legally bound by this Agreement, agree to the following terms and conditions, including, but not limited to the following:

1.  We are conditionally placing the following described animal with you, the Owner, for permanent placement   As the Owner, you agree and understand that you will need to make certain necessary changes in your environment and lifestyle to accommodate life with the animal, such as change of daily activities, fencing requirements, sleeping area, outside shelter,  food, water, vaccines, licensing, medical treatment, etc.

2.  I agree that this animal is being placed as a family pet and will be treated as a member of my family. S/he will have extensive house privileges, will sleep inside the house, and will not be kept solely outside in the yard, or tied to any tether, whether or not the yard is enclosed.  I agree to provide this animal with proper food, water, shelter and necessary veterinary care.  Owner further agrees that this animal may not be crated or otherwise confined for more than 8 hours in a 24 hour period and, if crated, the crate shall be large enough for the animal to lie comfortably on its side, stand, and move freely.  If the animal is a dog, the dog should be walked on a leash and will never be allowed to roam free unsupervised without proper fencing or containment.  Owner will never leave the animal chained, cooped and/or otherwise confined for extended periods of time.  Owner also agrees that if the animal adopted is a dog, said dog or dogs will never be used for dog fighting or any other “sport” in which one animal is pitted against another, and will never beat or taunt the dog in order to promote aggressive “guard dog” characteristics.

3.  Owner understands that this animal may have been previously unwanted, a stray or lost and may have been rescued by Smith Rescue Ranch for a dangerous, unhealthy and/or cruel situation.  This could have long lasting effects on the animal. You agree that Smith Rescue Ranch is making no representations or warranties about the condition, personality, or temperament of the animal.  The animal was evaluated by a representative of Smith Rescue Ranch, but that does not guarantee its temperament or compatibility with you or any members of your household.

4.  I understand that Smith Rescue Ranch is not making any representations or warranties regarding the animal’s health, physical condition, or age. Owner understands that veterinary problems may arise with this animal, including serious illnesses requiring emergency care or surgery; that those problems are Owner’s responsibility, and that Owner will bear all related costs and will provide the proper veterinary care to the animal in a timely matter.

5.  If Owner has expressed an interest in the placement of an animal that has not yet been spade or neutered, Owner understands and agrees that the placement fee does include the procedure, and it is MANDATORY that it be performed prior to the Owner taking possession of the animal.

6.  The placed animal MUST be licensed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Owner resides.

7.  Owner agrees that Smith Rescue Ranch or any representative authorized by Smith Rescue Ranch can make a home inspection of the property where the placed animal is to be kept prior to or within thirty (30) days of any animal being placed with Owner.  Said inspection will be coordinated at a mutually convenient time for all parties.  In addition, Owner agrees that should Smith Rescue Ranch or an authorized representative contact the Owner to inquire about the animal, Owner agrees to make a good faith effort to return the call as soon as possible.

8.  If Owner changes address or telephone number, Owner will notify Smith Rescue Ranch within two (2) weeks of the change of address or telephone number.

9.  Owner agrees not to abandon, give away, sell, transfer, foster out, or dispose of the animal in any way, and to notify Smith Rescue Ranch immediately at any time Owner determines that they can no longer keep or care for the animal.  Owner agrees to work with Smith Rescue Ranch to allow Smith Rescue Ranch to locate another home or foster home for the animal. Under no circumstances shall the animal be placed in an animal shelter.

10.  Should the animal become missing or lost, Owner will immediately contact Smith Rescue Ranch, make every effort to locate the lost animal and will file lost reports with the local animal control authority in the Owner’s jurisdiction.

11.  In the event that Smith Rescue Ranch makes a determination in its sole discretion that Owner has failed to comply in, spirit or letter, with any terms of this Agreement, or the animal is abused, neglected or abandoned, as determined in the sole discretion of Smith Rescue Ranch, one of the remedies will be to immediately recover the animal from the Owner upon demand and Owner will without hesitation surrender the animal to Smith Rescue Ranch or its authorized representative immediately.

12.  Owner understands and agrees that Smith Rescue Ranch, its volunteers, or representatives are not responsible for any injury, damage or harm caused by the animal, and hereby releases and forever discharges Smith Rescue Ranch, its volunteers, and representatives from any and all liability for any injury, damage, harm, expense or liability that Owner incurs relating to this animal placed under this contract.  Owner also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from any and all such claims to pay including but not limited to, any costs related to such injury, damage or liability, including any costs associated with litigation, mediation, arbitration and attorneys’ fees incurred by Smith Rescue Ranch in its defense.

13.  Owner agrees and understands that there is a non-refundable placement fee of $_______________. The placement fee includes the spay/neuter surgery, and the first set of vaccinations.  If within ten (10) days of placement it is discovered that the animal has a medical problem that was not known or that the animal does not assimilate into its new home, Smith Rescue Ranch will return the placement fee, minus $50.00, upon the return of the animal.

14.  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties, and supersedes any prior understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.  The Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado and the parties hereto consent and agree that any action brought to enforce any provisions of this Agreement shall be brought in the courts of the State of Colorado, County of El Paso.  This Agreement may not be modified except in writing and signed by all parties.

Animal Name ___________________________________________________________________ Sex __________

Species _______________________________________ Breed _________________________________________

Color __________________________________ Distinguishing characteristics _____________________________

Date of Birth (or estimate if unknown) ______________________________________________________________

Spay/Neuter date _______________________________________ Clinic __________________________________

Vaccinations & Date Given ______________________________________________________________________

Owner Name __________________________________________________________________________________

Driver’s License # ___________________________________ State ________ Expiration ____________________

Address _________________________________City _____________ State _______________ Zip ____________

Home Phone # ________________________________________ Cell # ___________________________________

E-mail Address ________________________________________________________________________________

Veterinary Clinic Address________________________________________________________________________

Vet. Name _____________________________________________________ Phone # _______________________

I have read & received a copy of, & hereby agree to abide by ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS of the Agreement.

SIGNED this __________ day of _________________________, 20 ____.

Owner signature _______________________________________________________________________________

Smith Rescue Ranch Representative ________________________________________________________________