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Peach State Rescue, Inc.

Adoption Agreement — Terms and Conditions

Thank you for considering pet adoption with us! Our mission is to ensure that every pet finds a loving and responsible home. By proceeding with the adoption process, you agree to the following terms and conditions, which are designed to ensure the well-being of our pets and clarify the responsibilities of all parties involved.

This Adoption Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between Peach State Rescue, Inc. (“Rescue”) and the undersigned Adopter for the adoption of the animal described below.

1. Eligibility for Adoption

Adopters must be 25 years of age or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of adoption.

• The Adopter must demonstrate the ability to provide a safe, loving, and stable home for the pet.
• All household members must consent to the adoption.
• If renting, the Adopter must provide proof of landlord permission or pet-friendly housing documentation.
• Peach State Rescue reserves the right to deny any application if it is determined that the home is not in the best interest of the animal.

2. Adoption Process

Adoption includes:

1. Submission of a comprehensive application;
2. An interview with a Rescue representative;
3. A possible home visit or virtual inspection. The Rescue retains full discretion to approve or deny applications based on compatibility and the animal’s needs.

3. Ownership & Identification

• Upon adoption, the Adopter assumes full responsibility and legal guardianship of the animal as a family companion.
• The animal must be licensed in accordance with local laws and wear identification tags or a collar at all times.
• Microchip registration must be kept current with the Adopter’s contact information.
• Peach State Rescue retains the right to reclaim the animal if any terms of this Agreement are violated or if the animal’s welfare is at risk.

4. Standard of Care

The Adopter agrees to:

• Provide daily companionship, affection, and humane treatment.
• Keep the animal primarily indoors as a household companion, except for outdoor exercise, walks, or playtime.
• Provide fresh water, quality food, and regular exercise appropriate for the animal’s breed and needs.
• Ensure the animal is never:
  • Left unattended outdoors for extended periods,
  • Chained, tethered, or confined inhumanely, or
  • Used for breeding, fighting, or commercial purposes.

5. Veterinary Care

• The Adopter will provide routine and emergency veterinary care, including annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and prompt treatment for illness or injury.
• All adopted animals are spayed/neutered, unless medically exempt. If exempt, the Adopter agrees to complete the procedure by the specified date and provide proof.
• The Adopter understands that the Rescue cannot guarantee the long-term health, lifespan, or behavior of the animal.

6. Housing & Transportation

• The Adopter affirms compliance with lease, HOA, or landlord policies regarding pet ownership.
• The animal will not be transported in unsafe conditions, including open truck beds or unsecured vehicles.
• If the Adopter relocates, the Rescue must be notified of the new address within 30 days.

7. Pet Care Commitment

By adopting this pet, the Adopter commits to providing:

• Regular veterinary care,
• A nutritious diet and fresh water,
• Exercise, play, and mental stimulation, and
• A loving, secure environment.

The Adopter is responsible for appropriate training and socialization, using only positive, humane methods (no prong collars, shock collars, or physical punishment).

8. Importance of Pet Insurance

Peach State Rescue strongly encourages adopters to obtain pet insurance to help manage potential medical costs from accidents or illnesses. Insurance can provide peace of mind and ensure access to prompt, necessary veterinary care.

9. Behavior & Training

• The Adopter understands that rescue animals may require time to adjust and agrees to allow a proper decompression period (following the 3-3-3 rule).
• If behavioral challenges arise, the Adopter agrees to contact the Rescue for training resources or guidance before surrendering or euthanizing the animal.

10. Return & Transfer of Ownership

• Adoption is non-transferable. The Adopter may not sell, gift, rehome, or surrender the animal to another person, rescue, or shelter without prior written consent from Peach State Rescue.
• If unable to continue caring for the pet, the Adopter must return the animal to Peach State Rescue, Inc.
• Adoption donations are non-refundable, except under circumstances determined by the Rescue.
• The Adopter expressly agrees that the dog adopted from Peach State Rescue, Inc. (“Rescue”) shall never be abandoned, dumped, surrendered to another rescue or shelter, transferred, sold, gifted, rehomed, or otherwise placed into the possession or control of any other individual or entity without the prior written consent of Rescue.

If at any time the dog is found to be:

• A stray or abandoned,
• Dumped or relinquished,
• Surrendered to any rescue organization, shelter, or third party,
• Given, sold, or gifted to another person,
• Or otherwise subject to any change of ownership or possession

without prior written notification to and approval from Rescue, the Adopter shall be deemed in material breach of this Agreement.

In the event of such breach, the Adopter agrees to pay liquidated damages in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Peach State Rescue, Inc. The parties agree that this amount represents a reasonable estimate of damages incurred by Rescue, including but not limited to recovery costs, veterinary care, rehabilitation, administrative expenses, and harm to Rescue’s mission, and is not a penalty.

Additionally, Peach State Rescue, Inc. reserves the right to:

1. Immediately reclaim possession of the dog without compensation to the Adopter;
2. Pursue legal action against the Adopter to enforce this Agreement;
3. Recover all associated costs, including attorney’s fees, court costs, and recovery expenses, as permitted by law.

This obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement and remains enforceable for the lifetime of the dog.

10.1 Euthanasia Notification Requirement

The Adopter agrees that under no circumstances may the adopted animal be euthanized without first notifying and receiving guidance from Peach State Rescue Inc. In the event the Adopter believes euthanasia may be necessary due to medical, behavioral, or quality-of-life concerns, the Adopter must contact Peach State Rescue prior to any such action. Peach State Rescue reserves the right to request veterinary documentation, arrange for a second opinion, assume custody of the animal, or otherwise participate in decision-making regarding the animal’s care. Failure to comply with this provision constitutes a breach of this Adoption Agreement.

11. Inspection & Follow-Up

The Adopter agrees to reasonable follow-up contact by the Rescue, including phone calls, emails, photos, or home visits, to confirm the pet’s well-being. If neglect, abuse, or violation of this Agreement is suspected, Peach State Rescue reserves the right to reclaim the animal immediately.

12. Data Privacy

Personal information collected during the adoption process will be used solely to evaluate and ensure proper placement of the animal. It will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties, except as required by law.

13. Media Release

I, the undersigned, hereby grant Peach State Rescue, Inc., its representatives, employees, volunteers, and agents, the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, or otherwise record me, my likeness, voice, or image, as well as any animals in my care or participating in organizational activities.

I understand that these photographs, videos, or recordings may be used by Peach State Rescue, Inc. for educational, promotional, or informational purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, newsletters, printed materials, fundraising campaigns, public relations, or other communications that support and promote the organization’s mission.

I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written or digital materials that may accompany such media. I further waive any right to compensation, royalties, or other remuneration arising from or related to the use of these images or recordings.

I release and hold harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action that I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf may have by reason of this authorization.

I understand that participation is voluntary, and that I may request in writing at any time that Peach State Rescue refrain from using my image or likeness in future materials, though this does not apply to materials already produced or distributed prior to such notice.

14. Liability Waiver

• The Adopter understands that Peach State Rescue has provided all known information about the animal’s health and temperament.
• The Rescue makes no guarantees regarding future behavior, temperament, or medical condition.
• The Adopter agrees to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Peach State Rescue, Inc., its volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims, damages, costs, or liabilities arising from the animal’s actions or health after adoption.

15. Adoption Donation

The Adopter agrees to contribute a non-refundable adoption donation, which helps offset veterinary care, food, and other rescue expenses. This donation is not a purchase price, but a contribution to the Rescue’s mission of saving animals in need.

16. Agreement to Contact

The Adopter consents to the Rescue contacting them for updates, welfare checks, or follow-up support.

17. Amendment and Governing Law

Peach State Rescue, Inc. reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Georgia. Any disputes shall be handled in the jurisdiction where Peach State Rescue, Inc. is headquartered.

Acknowledgment and Signature

By signing below, the Adopter certifies that they:

• Are at least 25 years of age,
• Have read and understood all terms,
• Agree to abide by this Adoption Agreement, and
• Understand that submitting an application does not guarantee adoption, and
• Agree to a background check.