RESCUE DOG ADOPTION – LIABILITY DISCLAIMER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK
1. Health and Veterinary Care Disclaimer
1.1 The Adopter acknowledges and accepts that the adopted dog is a rescue animal and may have an unknown or incomplete medical history. The Rescue Organisation has disclosed all medical information in its possession in good faith, and the dog is believed to be in normal health except for any conditions expressly disclosed in writing at the time of adoption.
1.2 No warranty or guarantee is made by the Rescue Organisation regarding the dog’s present or future health, physical condition, behaviour, fertility, longevity, or the absence of congenital or hereditary defects, diseases, or future illness.
1.3 Upon completion of the adoption, the Adopter assumes full and sole financial responsibility for all veterinary examinations, treatments, medications, surgeries, preventative care, and any other health-related costs incurred from the date of adoption forward.
1.4 The Adopter is strongly advised to obtain comprehensive pet insurance to mitigate future medical expenses.
2. Behaviour and Temperament Disclaimer
2.1 Any behavioural information provided by the Rescue Organisation is supplied strictly in good faith, based on available history, third-party reports, and observations while the dog was in the Rescue’s care. Such information may be incomplete or inaccurate due to the dog’s unknown background.
2.2 The Rescue Organisation makes no representations, guarantees, or assurances regarding the dog’s temperament, behaviour, training level, compatibility with children or other animals, or suitability for any specific purpose, environment, or lifestyle.
2.3 The Adopter acknowledges that all animals may exhibit unpredictable behaviour, including but not limited to aggression, fear responses, property damage, or injury. From the moment the dog leaves the Rescue Organisation’s premises, the Adopter accepts that the Rescue Organisation has no responsibility or liability for any harm, damage, or loss caused by the dog.
3. Assumption of Liability, Release, and Indemnification
3.1 The Adopter voluntarily assumes all risks associated with ownership, possession, handling, custody, and control of the adopted dog once the adoption is finalised.
3.2 The Adopter hereby fully releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless the Rescue Organisation, its founders, trustees, volunteers, foster carers, partners, and representatives from any and all actions, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, injuries, costs, or expenses (including those involving third parties or their property) arising out of or relating to:
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the adoption, care, handling, behaviour, or actions of the dog;
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any incident, injury, or damage occurring after the dog leaves the Rescue Organisation’s custody;
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any misstatements or omissions in behavioural or medical history provided in good faith by the Rescue Organisation.
3.3 This indemnification is binding, irrevocable, and continues for the entire lifetime of the dog.
4. Ownership, Return, and Rehoming Restrictions
4.1 Upon adoption, legal ownership transfers to the Adopter, subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
4.2 If at any time the Adopter becomes unable or unwilling to keep the dog, the Adopter must contact the Rescue Organisation immediately.
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Hope4Paws UK & Spain is not a boarding facility.
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Rescue Back-Up will be provided in the form of attempting to find a new suitable home, which may take several weeks.
4.3 The Adopter may not, under any circumstances:
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rehome, sell, or give the dog to any third party;
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abandon the dog or surrender it to any other rescue, charity, pound, or organisation, including the RSPCA;
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euthanise the dog except on veterinary recommendation for medical reasons and with prior written notification to the Rescue Organisation.
4.4 Violation of Clause 4.3 will result in a contractual penalty of £1,000, payable immediately to the Rescue Organisation.
4.5 All adoption fees, donations, transportation costs, and veterinary fees paid prior to or during the adoption process are strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether the dog is later returned.