Pet Adoption / Rehoming Agreement

Owner Type

Owner's Full Legal Name *

Address *

Phone

Email

Adopter's Full Legal Name *

Address *

Phone

Email

Driver's License / ID Number

Optional but recommended for identity verification. This appears in the agreement only as an identification reference.

Species / Type *

Pet's Name *

Breed

Age

Color / Markings

Sex

Spayed / Neutered?

Microchipped?

Legal Protection: The Adopter must transfer microchip registration to their own name and contact information immediately. If the pet is lost with the chip still registered to the original owner, serious legal disputes can arise.

Microchip Number

Chip Registry

Additional Description

Any distinguishing marks, physical features, or identifying details.

Agreement Type

Adoption: typically from rescue/shelter to adopter. Rehoming: private owner to new home.

Transfer Date *

State (Governing Law) *

Adoption / Rehoming Fee

Important: This field uses "Adoption/Rehoming Fee," not "Price." Using the word "Price" may classify this as a commercial sale of goods under UCC Article 2, potentially exposing you to implied warranty ("lemon law") liability if the pet becomes ill.

Fee Amount (USD)

Enter numbers only. This fee covers prior veterinary care and husbandry expenses - it is not a commercial sale price.

Known Behavioral or Medical Issues?

Honest disclosure protects you legally. Concealing known issues (prior bites, illness, aggression) can void liability waivers.

Why This Matters: 99% of original owners who use pet adoption contracts want this. If the adopter can no longer keep the pet, they must offer it back to you first, legally preventing your pet from being surrendered to a kill shelter or handed to a stranger.

Include Right of First Refusal?

Adopter Must Notify Within (days)

How many days after deciding to rehome must the adopter notify you?

Your Response Window (days)

How many days you have to respond and arrange pick-up.

Legal Protection: In ~36 states, the owner at the time of a bite is strictly liable - regardless of what the previous owner knew. Without this clause, an injured party could attempt to sue you years after you gave the pet away. This clause legally transfers liability to the Adopter and requires them to hold you harmless.

Include Liability Waiver & Indemnification?

Require Spay/Neuter Commitment?

Since the pet is not yet altered, you can legally require the adopter to spay/neuter within a set deadline.

Deadline to Complete Spay/Neuter (months from transfer date)

Adopter must provide written veterinary proof within 10 days of the procedure.

Prohibit Commercial Breeding?

Prevents "backyard breeders" from adopting pets for profit. Highly recommended.

Veterinary History / Medical Notes

Current Vet's Name

Vet's Phone

Include Anti-Cruelty & Restricted Use Clause?

Prohibits the pet from being used in dogfighting, lab testing, permanent chaining, or as a commercial guard animal.

Request Photo Updates from Adopter?

Photo Update Period (months)

How many months the adopter agrees to send photo updates upon request (max once per 30 days).

Right to Request a Home Visit?

Used by rescue organizations to verify living conditions. Visits require mutual agreement and advance notice, they cannot be forced.