Adoption Agreement

ADOPTION AGREEMENT
Vermont Pet Guardians
Effective upon electronic submission

This Adoption Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between Vermont Pet Guardians, a Vermont nonprofit organization ("VPG"), and the individual submitting this form ("Adopter").

1. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
Upon VPG's approval of this adoption and receipt of any applicable adoption fee, ownership of the adopted animal ("Animal") transfers to the Adopter. This transfer is conditional upon the Adopter's ongoing compliance with this Agreement.

2. ADOPTER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Adopter agrees to:
a. Provide the Animal with a safe, clean, and humane indoor living environment for the duration of the Animal's life.
b. Provide adequate food, fresh water, shelter, exercise, veterinary care, and socialization appropriate to the Animal's needs.
c. Keep the Animal's vaccinations, parasite prevention, and licensing current and in compliance with all applicable Vermont state and local ordinances.
d. Have the Animal spayed or neutered if not already done, within the timeframe specified by VPG.
e. Never leave the Animal chained, tethered, or confined outdoors for extended periods without shelter, supervision, and access to water.
f. Not breed the Animal or allow it to be bred.
g. Ensure the Animal wears identification tags and/or is microchipped at all times.

3. NO RE-HOMING WITHOUT NOTICE
The Adopter agrees not to sell, give away, transfer, surrender to a shelter, or otherwise re-home the Animal without first contacting Vermont Pet Guardians. VPG must be given the first opportunity to reclaim the Animal. Transferring the Animal to another party without VPG's knowledge or consent constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.

4. RIGHT OF RETURN
VPG reserves the right to reclaim the Animal if, in VPG's sole and reasonable judgment:
a. The Animal is being subjected to abuse, neglect, or conditions harmful to its welfare;
b. The Adopter has materially breached any provision of this Agreement; or
c. The Adopter is unable or unwilling to provide adequate care.

VPG will make reasonable efforts to provide notice before reclaiming the Animal except where immediate action is necessary to protect the Animal's welfare.

5. RETURN BY ADOPTER
If the Adopter is at any time unable to keep the Animal, the Adopter agrees to contact VPG before making any other arrangements. VPG will work with the Adopter to facilitate the Animal's return to VPG's care. Adoption fees are non-refundable.

6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
The Adopter agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the ownership and care of animals, including Vermont statutes governing animal welfare and cruelty prevention.

7. LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE
THE ADOPTER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:

a. Assumption of Risk: The Adopter voluntarily assumes all risks associated with ownership of the Animal from the date of adoption, including but not limited to bites, scratches, injuries, allergic reactions, property damage, illness (including zoonotic disease transmission), and behavioral issues.

b. Animal History Disclosure: VPG has disclosed the Animal's known history, health records, and behavioral information to the best of its knowledge. VPG makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the Animal's temperament, health, breed, age, or suitability for any particular purpose.

c. Release of Claims: To the fullest extent permitted by Vermont law, the Adopter hereby releases, waives, discharges, and agrees not to sue Vermont Pet Guardians, its officers, directors, volunteers, agents, and representatives (collectively "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to the adoption or the Adopter's ownership of the Animal, including personal injury, property damage, or death, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise.

d. Third-Party Claims: The Adopter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, suits, or demands brought by third parties arising from the Adopter's ownership or care of the Animal after the date of adoption.

e. Vermont Law Limitation: Nothing in this Agreement purports to waive liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot be waived under Vermont law.

8. VETERINARY CARE AFTER ADOPTION
The Adopter assumes full financial responsibility for all veterinary care from the date of adoption. VPG is not responsible for any veterinary costs incurred after the adoption is complete.

9. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of Vermont.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the adoption of the Animal and supersedes all prior communications.