Adopter Information

Terms & Conditions

Care of the Dog

Adopter agrees to:

• Provide the dog with proper food, clean water, indoor shelter, affection, and daily exercise.

• Keep the dog as a household pet and family companion, not for guard work, breeding, or any commercial purpose.

• Ensure the dog has access to safe indoor housing and will not be permanently housed outdoors, chained, or confined in inhumane conditions.

• The dog will not be allowed to roam freely unsupervised.

• If behavioral or training concerns arise, Adopter agrees to seek guidance and assistance, including reaching out to Courteous Canine for professional help if needed.

• Adopter understands that additional training and housebreaking resources are available at www.arfhumane.org, where ARF has many helpful links and materials.

Health & Sterilization

• ARF certifies that all adopted dogs are spayed/neutered and current on core vaccinations at the time of adoption.

• ARF makes no guarantees or warranties regarding the long-term health, behavior, or temperament of the dog.

Veterinary Care

• Adopter is responsible for all veterinary expenses after the date of adoption.

• Annual exams, vaccinations, and preventative care (heartworm, flea/tick, etc.) will be maintained at the Adopter’s expense.

  
  

Return Policy

• Adoption fees are non-refundable.

• If the adoption does not work out, the dog may be returned to ARF; however, acceptance is dependent on the availability of foster homes or shelter space and may take time to arrange. Adopter agrees to provide safe and appropriate care for the dog until such arrangements can be made.

Right to Reclaim

• ARF reserves the right to reclaim the dog if Adopter is found to have violated this agreement, or if the dog is neglected, abused, or otherwise in an unsafe environment.

Adoption Fee

• Adopter agrees to pay ARF a non-refundable adoption fee of $100.

This fee helps offset the cost of spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and other veterinary care.

Release of Liability

• Adopter releases ARF, its staff, volunteers, and representatives from any liability, claims, or damages arising from the dog’s behavior, health, or actions after adoption.

• Adopter accepts full responsibility for the dog upon signing this contract.

  
  

Binding Effect

• This contract is binding and enforceable under the laws of North Carolina.

• It represents the entire agreement between Adopter and ARF.

Acknowledgement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this legally binding contract.