Contracts

The Contracts settings page allows you to create and manage legal agreements for different processes within your shelter operations.

Overview

Contracts are essential legal documents that protect your shelter and ensure all parties understand their responsibilities. PawPlacer allows you to create customized contracts for various relationships and processes.

Contract Types

PawPlacer supports five different contract types:

1. Adopter Contracts - Legal agreements for pet adoptions
2. Volunteer Contracts - Terms for volunteer service
3. Foster Contracts - Agreements for temporary pet fostering
4. Partner Contracts - Documents for rescue partners and organizations
5. Surrender Contracts - Terms for owner surrenders of animals

Managing Contracts

Navigating Contract Types

To access different contract types:

1. Open the Contracts settings page
2. Use the tabs at the top of the page to switch between contract types
3. Select the contract type you wish to view or edit

Creating and Editing Contracts

To create or edit a contract:

1. Select the appropriate contract type tab
2. Use the rich text editor to:

• Format text (bold, italic, lists, etc.)
• Add headings and subheadings
• Insert signature fields
• Include required checkboxes for acknowledgments

3. Common contract elements to include:

• Shelter name and contact information
• Contract effective date
• Rights and responsibilities of all parties
• Terms and conditions
• Fee information and payment terms
• Signature fields

Contract Deployment

Once you've saved a contract, it will be automatically used in the corresponding process:

• Adoption contracts appear in the adoption application process
• Foster contracts are presented during foster applications
• Volunteer contracts are shown during volunteer onboarding
• Partner contracts are used when establishing new partner relationships
• Surrender contracts are presented during pet surrender processes

Legal Considerations

While PawPlacer provides the tools to create contracts, we recommend:

• Having your contracts reviewed by a legal professional
• Ensuring all contracts comply with local laws and regulations
• Updating contracts periodically to reflect current practices
• Maintaining records of signed contracts according to your record retention policies

Permissions

Only users with form administrator privileges or higher can modify contracts. Other team members can view contracts but cannot make changes.