All Paws on Deck Adoption Contract

This agreement is entered on this date by and between All Paws on Deck, Inc. (“All Paws on Deck”) and the applicant (“Adopter”) for the adoption of the rescue dog listed below.

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1. Health, Temperament & “As-Is” Status

Adopter accepts this dog “as is,” including any known or unknown medical conditions, behavior traits, age, breed, or temperament. All Paws on Deck makes no guarantees regarding the dog’s future behavior, health, size, or breed mix.

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2. Training, Socialization & Behavior

Adopter understands that puppies and young dogs require training, socialization, structure, and time to adjust. Behavioral challenges are not grounds for return. The Adopter agrees to:

• Seek training or professional help as needed

• Provide appropriate mental stimulation and exercise

• Accept full responsibility for behavioral development and management

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3. Return & Rehoming Policy (No Returns After 30 Days – Read Carefully)

Adopting a dog is a permanent commitment. All Paws on Deck is a rescue—not a return center.

✅ First 30 Days:

• If a dog must be returned within the first 30 days and space is available, we may accept the dog back at our discretion. Adoption fees are considered donations and will not be refunded.

❌ After 30 Days:

• We do not accept returns after 30 days. If you adopted a dog and later choose not to keep them, it is your full legal and ethical responsibility to find a safe, permanent home.

• You MUST alter the dog (spay/neuter) before any transfer of ownership or placement in another home—including with friends, family, or trial situations.

• You MUST notify All Paws on Deck in advance of any rehoming and provide full contact information for the new family.

 

 

• 🔒 Important:

  If you rehome a dog without notifying us, the dog’s microchip will still reflect your name and contact information, and you will remain legally liable for any outcome involving that dog—including abandonment, neglect, or mistreatment by the new owner.

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⚠️ Rescue Rehoming Assistance (Optional – Not Guaranteed):

• If space and staff are available, and only at our sole discretion, All Paws on Deck may assist with rehoming. A $100 rehoming fee will apply, and the dog must remain in your care until a new family is found. No timeline or guarantee is provided.

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🚫 Zero Tolerance for Threats or Emotional Manipulation:

• If you threaten to harm, abandon, or dump a dog in order to pressure us into taking the dog back—such as saying “I’ll shoot the dog” or “I’ll tie him to a tree”— we will immediately terminate support and may report the situation to animal control or law enforcement.

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4. Spay/Neuter & Veterinary Care

If the dog is not yet altered, the Adopter agrees to have them spayed/neutered by the deadline stated in the contract. Proof must be submitted within 7 days of surgery. A refundable deposit may be withheld or forfeited if surgery is late or unverified.

• The dog must be seen by a veterinarian within 2 weeks of adoption.

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Parasite Treatment & Follow-Up:
All dogs are dewormed and treated for internal and external parasites before adoption to the best of our ability. However, due to the lifecycle of parasites—especially in puppies—it is common for symptoms to recur and require additional treatment.

• It is the adopter’s responsibility to bring a fresh fecal sample to their veterinarian within 2 weeks of adoption for testing and follow-up care if needed. Parasite treatment is part of responsible pet ownership and is not considered a “sick dog” return condition.

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5. Lifetime Care Commitment

Adopter agrees to provide food, water, medical care, shelter, love, and humane treatment for the rest of the dog’s life.
The dog will never be used for breeding, fighting, guarding, research, or any inhumane purpose.

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6. No Unauthorized Transfer or Surrender

The Adopter agrees to never:

• Surrender the dog to a shelter, pet store, breeder, or third party without written approval from All Paws on Deck

• Give away, sell, or transfer the dog without notifying us and receiving consent

Violation of this section may result in:

• A $1,000 penalty

• Legal action for breach of contract

• Permanent loss of adoption privileges

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7. Legal & Financial Liability

The Adopter assumes full responsibility for the dog and releases All Paws on Deck and its volunteers from any liability related to health, behavior, injury, property damage, or other incident. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut.

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8. Adoption Fee & Deposit Terms

Adoption fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.
Spay/neuter deposits are refundable only with proof of timely surgery.

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9. Final Agreement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this contract. I understand that I may not return the dog after 30 days and that I am fully responsible for their lifelong care or safe rehoming according to this agreement.​

Revised August 2nd 2025