(Agreement will be signed at the time of adoption)

"Adopting is a Life-Long Commitment"

Adopting a companion animal is a life-long commitment and a great responsibility. You will be sharing your life with a pet for up to 15 - 20 years. Are you willing and able to make this life-long commitment to an animal?  ____Yes ____No

Are you willing to make the commitment to seek advice or training to resolve any behavioral or medical concerns with your animal? ____Yes ____No

In consideration of receiving the animal described from the Humane Society of Northwest Montana:

1. I agree to accept this animal as a companion pet and to provide access to proper shelter from the elements when the animal is temporarily outdoors. If I do not abide by this provision, I agree to forfeit custody of this animal.

2. I agree to provide proper and sufficient food, water, shelter, exercise, veterinary care and loving humane treatment at all times. If I do not abide by this provision, I agree to forfeit custody of this animal.

3. I agree to make an appointment with any local veterinarian for an exam to be given within 7 days of adoption, and to update any vaccinations, worming, lab work, medication, etc., that is required, at my expense. I will provide competent veterinary care for this animal in case of illness or injury.

4. I agree not to sell, trade, give away or abandon this animal. Should I find myself unable or unwilling to comply with this contract, or that I no longer want this animal, I agree to notify the Humane Society of Northwest Montana immediately and to make arrangements to return the animal to the Society's adoption center, and to abide by relinquishment procedures.

5. A representative of the Humane Society of Northwest Montana may from time to time make inspections of the animal, my residence and the living conditions that I provide for the animal, and if for any reason the representative considers the conditions provided by me for the animal to be unsatisfactory, I will surrender the animal to the Humane Society's representative for return to the adoption center. I will keep the Humane Society informed of any address change.

* The Humane Society of Northwest Montana does not adopt or foster animals to be put on chains or to be guard dogs. Adoptions or fosters will be nullified if the animal in question is placed on a chain. The Humane Society of Northwest Montana, upon a home check finding an animal on a chain or a similarly restrictive short lead, has the right to reclaim the animal at that time and return it to the Humane Society adoption center.

6. I agree not to allow this animal to run at large or to become a public nuisance. I will comply with the animal control ordinances applicable to the area in which I live. I agree that I will be responsible for checking to see if the city/town in which I live requires animals to have a city license, and will assure that license requirements are followed.

7. I agree to keep a safe and properly fitting collar and current ID tag on this animal at all times. I will notify the Humane Society of Northwest Montana immediately if this animal is lost, stolen, or dies.

8. I agree not to permit this animal to be used for the purpose of fighting, breeding, experimentation, or vivisection.

9. STERILIZATION AGREEMENT:
In compliance with Montana Code, Statute 7-23-420, I understand that this animal will be sterilized (if not already spayed or neutered) by a licensed veterinarian before I take possession of the animal. Failure to comply with the above listed law is a misdemeanor crime and carries a fine of up to $500.00. I understand that until the sterilization surgery is completed, the animal will remain under the legal ownership of the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. Upon successful completion of the Adoption Application, the signing of this Adoption Agreement, and the completion of the required sterilization surgery, I can pick up my new pet and I will then be its legal guardian.

10. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY SUM I HAVE GIVEN THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST MONTANA IS A DONATION TOWARD ITS WORK IN CARING FOR ANIMALS AND IS NOT REFUNDABLE.

11. I understand that the Humane Society of Northwest Montana makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the health, disposition or expected life span of any animal, because the Humane Society of Northwest Montana is uncertain of its background. I understand that the Humane Society of Northwest Montana has administered the vaccines listed on the attached form. I also understand that the animal has displayed no evidence of illness or health problems during its stay at the adoption center, except as disclosed on the attached form. The Humane Society of Northwest Montana does inquire of known owners as to whether their animal bites; otherwise the Humane Society makes no representation, guarantee or warranty that the animal does not bite.

12. I agree that no claim, action, demand, suit in law or in equity will be brought by me against the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, its agents or officers by reason of this adoption and I hereby generally release this society, its officers or agents from any and all actions, suits, claims and demands arising from this adoption.

13. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: I AGREE to pay the Humane Society of Northwest Montana the sum of $150.00 as liquidated damages in the event the terms of this contract are wrongfully breached by me. This liquidated damage value is agreed to for the purpose of establishing value, and does not bar the Humane Society of Northwest Montana from seeking return of this animal by a judicial process or other legal means.

14. ATTORNEY FEE AND COURT COSTS: I AGREE to pay reasonable attorney's fees and court costs in the event this matter requires the services of an attorney for the Humane Society of Northwest Montana to enforce the terms and conditions of this contract.

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the information given to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana in my Adoption Application is truthful and accurate, and I certify that I am not under 18 years of age. If I breach any of the terms and conditions of this contract, by which I have agreed to forfeit custody, I AGREE that the Humane Society of Northwest Montana may repossess this animal.

Signed by: ________________________________________ Date: ____________________