Cat Adoption Contract and Disclaimer of Liability
I understand that Coppell Humane Society strongly discourages declawing of cats. Before declawing the adopted cat, I will discuss other options with a representative of Coppell Humane Society. I agree that, if no reasonable alternative to declawing can be found, only the front claws will be removed. I WILL NOT subject the cat to a four-paw declaw. I understand that declawing causes physical pain to the animal for periods of time ranging from several days to several months and that it can also cause psychological damage to the pet, resulting in severe behavior problems. I understand that removal of a cat’s front claws destroys its primary natural defense mechanism. I agree to compensate for this loss by keeping the cat in a safe, indoor environment at all times.
I understand that Coppell Humane Society strongly recommends that all adopted cats be kept indoors at all times to prevent injury and disease. I specifically agree to keep the adopted cat indoors at all times when I reside in a multi-family housing unit (apartment, four-plex, duplex, etc.) I agree to keep a collar and an identification tag on the cat at all times for not less than the 1st year after adoption, in case it escapes.
I agree to provide the cat daily food and fresh water, shelter from extreme temperature and weather conditions, and veterinary care to prevent and treat disease, illness, and injury. I also agree to keep the cat free of parasites (such as fleas, ticks, worms, etc.). I will ensure that it is treated in a humane manner at all times.
I attest that I am not obtaining this cat for use in any kind of experimentation or for the sale to any agency that experiments on animals.
Coppell Humane Society does not necessarily know the nature of the cat or its characteristics, and gives no warranties, expressed or implied, of temperament or fitness. I confirm that I have been provided information on the cat’s current health status, noting any known pre-existing conditions. I understand that the cat is delivered “as is.” I understand that the cat should be isolated for a period of time from my own pets, to the extent possible, in the event that it has been exposed to any type of illness.
If I should decide, for whatever reasons, that I cannot continue to care for this cat, I will notify Coppell Humane Society immediately. I WILL NOT turn it over to an animal shelter or have it destroyed. I understand that Coppell Humane Society, at its discretion, will place the cat with another caregiver as soon as possible after receiving any notification.
I understand that Coppell Humane Society has transferred ownership of this cat to me based on the information provided in my Adoption/Foster Care Application. The cat is adopted to live in my home and is not to be given or sold to another individual, institution, or organization without the express written permission of Coppell Humane Society. If my residence or living situation changes the cat is not to be placed in an environment functionally different than the one described in my Adoption/Foster Care Application.
I relieve Coppell Humane Society of all liability and responsibility for damage or injury to persons, property or other animals caused directly or indirectly by this cat.
I understand that this cat has social and emotional needs, as well as physical ones. I am prepared and able to devote time and attention to the cat to meet those needs.
I agree to notify Coppell Humane Society if the cat is lost or dies within 1 year.
I grant permission to Coppell Humane Society to verify information provided in my Adoption/Foster Care Application, including, but not limited to, payment of required pet deposits and verification of veterinary care.
I understand that it is the responsibility of the new pet owner to see that the cat complies with all health regulations and other applicable ordinances. This includes, but is not limited, to vaccinations to prevent rabies and local pet licensing laws.
I agree to take every necessary precaution to ensure that any animal in my care does not reproduce. Although it is rare for CHS to adopt an unaltered animal, I promise that, should I adopt an unaltered cat, it will be spayed or neutered at the earliest possible time in accordance with reasonable veterinary advice from one of our participating vets. My failure to have such cat altered by 4 months of age (without showing justification otherwise) constitutes just cause for Coppell Humane Society to revoke the adoption, and to remove said cat from my ownership and care.
I understand that there is a monetary cost associated with pet ownership. In addition to routine vaccinations, dental care and screening tests, cats may need veterinary care for treatment of illness or injury. Other costs may include charges for, pet deposits required by landlords, and damage to personal property. I attest that I am both financially able and willing to accept full responsibility for the pet.
I confirm that I am making a long-term commitment to the ownership of this cat. Coppell Humane Society has informed me of the cat’s estimated current age, and I understand the life expectancy of the cat may exceed 20 years. I understand that changes in my life-style or family composition do not relieve me of my responsibility to the pet.
I understand that Coppell Humane Society cannot predict the behavior of this pet in his new home. Failure of the cat to meet my expectations does not relieve me of my responsibility to the cat. I understand that consistent, humane training can help the cat adapt to his new home and alter certain behaviors.
I understand that children are not fully capable of caring for a cat and that primary responsibility of the pet rests on the adopter. I will provide appropriate supervision and instruction on proper handling of cats to children in my household.
I agree to present the cat and the cat’s Health Record provided to me in the Pet Owner’s Manual to a full-service veterinarian for examination within 30 days.
I confirm that I am adopting the cat as a personal companion, that it will reside at my primary residence, and that I am not acquiring this cat solely for rodent control.
I understand that failure to comply with any of the conditions in this agreement constitutes just cause for Coppell Humane Society to revoke the adoption arrangement, and to remove said cat from my ownership and care, with no refund of adoption fees, at which time full ownership of the cat will revert back to Coppell Humane Society.