CONGRATULATIONS!
Rescue Address: 187 Downs Road, Sebec, Maine, 04481
Please wait at the top of the drive with the rescue sign at the top, do not come down the drive!
Arriving at this page means that you have been approved through our Adoption Application Process. This is great news, as we take our due diligence seriously. Before you excitedly rush ahead and complete the adoption contract, please take a few more moments to think through what you are committing to.
If the answer is YES, please complete and submit the Adoption Contract below, being sure to read the questions fully as this is a legally binding document.
First Name*
Last Name*
Address*
City*
State/Province*
Zip/Postal Code* -
County
Country*
Email*
Home Phone
Work Phone x
Cell Phone
Alt Email
If you put a PO box address, please provide the FULL physical address of your home.*
MEET - GREAT - ADOPTION
The rescue operates strictly on an appointment basis only!
Approved adopters are encouraged to schedule an appointment as close to the approval date as possible as the rescue does not hold dogs or cats for adoption for more than 7 days.
When choosing your appointment date and time, please ensure to take into account, weather, traffic and rest stops. You MUST contact the rescue as soon as you know you are delayed, a lot of work goes into appointment times, please be thoughtful of this.
You MUST be considerate and plan accordingly. If you cannot make the time scheduled, then you will need to reschedule your appointment.
Remember - this is YOUR choice to adopt this dog/cat and make the trip to Sebec, Maine, please do not complain to the rescue about the distance you have or will be traveling.
I agree to and understand the following:
Date you wish to schedule an appointment for meet, greet and if all goes well - pick-up. The rescue is closed on Saturdays after 1.30pm and all day Sunday!*
This must be a SPECIFIC TIME - not between times. Time you wish to schedule an appointment for meet, greet and if all goes well - pick-up This appointment time must be adhered to. If a Saturday appointment it must be no later than 1.30pm - gates are closed at 2pm, so anyone coming later will not get in! Rescue is CLOSED all day Sunday!*
I understand that when I make an appointment to come to the rescue, I must stick to this time. I understand that the rescue is run by one person and all day to day jobs and errands still need to be done and by me not informating the rescue of any delays can cause more work to the rescue. I will NOT treat this appointment as the rescue being available at my convenience and will ensure I prepare and leave ahead of schedule to prevent delays from traffic, weather or rest stops.*
I understand and accept that should I be running late and not inform the rescue as soon as I am aware of any delays I could be asked to reschedule my appointment. This will not matter on how far I have driven, but I understand that the rescue has it's own commitments and without being informed ahead of time will be unable to rearrange other commitments. Leaving it until the appointment time to inform the rescue of any delays is unacceptable and the appointment will be cancelled.*
Which animal are you interested in* Choose an animal: ALLISANT ALMA-Boy BUCKWHEAT CALLIE DARLA DeeDee DISCO - $250 DOLLY FERN LIP RHEA SCOUT SEBASTIAN SHAWN SHELBY SNOWBALL SPIKE TANIA & TIARA - $300 Both girls TAYLOR TIARA & TANIA - $300 both girls
Presumed age of the dog / cat you are hoping to adopt*
Neutered Male Spayed Female Unsterilized due to medical reasons
I understand and accept that the date of birth has been given by a veterinarian and is an estimate, generally based on the condition of the animals teeth at the time of examination.
Colour of Animal*
I am confident that all information known on the dog or cat has been provided to you by GaDaH and you are happy to accept all future responsibility
GaDaH occasionally sends out newsletters via email. By completing this adoption contract you are automatically added to the distribution list. There is an "opt-out" button on the newsletter, should you wish to not receive them in the future.
PAYMENT
All Adoption Fee's are in US Dollars (cannot be claimed as a donation as per IRS)
Payment MUST be made before you are able to leave with your new family member.
Adoption Fee in US Dollars*
We have a card reader that offers flexible ways to pay including contactless payment, chip and pin, PayPal & Venmo.
The 2.4% credit card fee, will be added to the adoption fee, should you wish to use this service.
Intended payment method:
CANADIAN ADOPTERS
For Canadian adopters, all that is needed to get them across the border into Canada is a current rabies certificate and proof of adoption, which is the adoption contract.
Both of which are included in the medical file you will get when you adopt .
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-canada
Canadian Adopters Checklist
TERMS OF ADOPTION
If these terms are not met, GaDaH will start the process to having the animal returned to the rescue. We do have an attorney and will use them, should these terms not be met. The only exception would be if stipulated by a licenced veterinarian and GaDaH agree that this is ok.
I agree to the adoption fee for this dog / cat, and I agree to pay in full unless other arrangements have been made . This helps to pay the incurred veterinary expenses and care of the dog in rescue plus the charges we incur as the result of state regulation. Adoption fees are required either BEFORE (If the dog is being transported) or at the time the dog is being left with the family. Adoption fees are non-refundable
I agree to the following conditions:
I agree, if needed to take my new dog to dog obedience school or work with a professional trainer to help him/her become a happy well-adjusted family pet if needed.
Adjustment Period
It is a huge transition being moved to a new home, from a place where they are familiar with, feel safe and have their animal and human friends.
It takes time to adjust to new routines, new family and new surroundings. This adjustment period may be anywhere from a few days to several months.
I understand and agree to the following:
Temperment & Medical
We care about our dogs, cats and our adopters and we do our very best to make sure that the dog/cat is right for the adopter and in good condition.
However, Rescue cannot and does not guarantee the health or temperament of the dog/cat, has no documentation on the actual breed unless otherwise provided or lineage of the rescued dog.
Unless advised against by a licenced veterinarian all dogs/cats are fully vetted. Spayed / neutered, rabies if over 4 months, core vaccines, leptospirosis vaccine, de-wormed, heartworm and tick disease tested if over 10 months of age, given monthly preventatives, relevant to the dogs location and micro-chipped and given any other necessary medical care. Cats being strictly indoor will be given what is needed and explained whilst going over their medical paperwork.
All dogs/cats that have to come to the rescue from outside the State of Maine have been checked and given a health certificate by a licenced veterinarian, deeming the dog in good health, has no contagious disease and is fit for travel.
If any dog/cat shows signs of concern, they are taken to a veterinarian for assessment and if needed treatment.
The stress of being re-homed can cause a dog/cat to be stressed, which can lead the need for medical care. Costs for medical care after placement are the responsibility of the adopting party(s).
Every effort is made to make sure that any dog/cat we place is thoroughly evaluated for its temperament, health, physical soundness and overall adopt-ability, before it is ever offered up for adoption.
If you see anything that causes you to be concerned you MUST bring it to the attention of GaDaH before you leave the rescue.
I agree to the following:
We strongly suggest adopters obtain insurance. We do check for and treat parasites like giardia, coccidia, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms, but testing is only a snapshot in time and we cannot guarantee a parasite-free dog. This is true for any dog/cat - rescue, shelter, breeder or owner surrender - and treatment of parasites is part of every day dog/cat ownership. Ear infections, skin issues and orthopedic issues are common problems with many of the dogs/cats we rescue and you will need to be prepared to provide this care after adoption.
CHILDREN & OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS
Interactions between child(ren) and the new dog/cat must be carefully supervised. Both children and dog/cat must learn to respect each other, their space, their food, toys and their alone-time.
I realize that one mistake on my part can result in injury and in the dog/cat never having a home, or worse case scenario having to be euthanized.
Any dog/cat in rescue is carefully screened, but dogs are dogs, cats are cats and can be unpredictable on occasion, especially in new surroundings.
I will never leave my young child or any young child alone and unsupervised with the dog/cat.
I agree to be sure that I have adequate space to separate animals to give them time to adjust as and when needed
I agree to carefully introduce the new dog/cat to the existing dogs and cats.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS
Coming to a new home is stressful for the new dog/cat and your existing animals. Careful introduction is a must.
Your new dog/cat needs time and space to adjust to the surroundings and your existing animals need to feel they are not being replaced or crowded. Introducing the new dog/cat can result in growling, barking, hissing, yowling, submissive urination or other undesirable behavior.
Properly managing the introductions is therefore important.
I understand and accept that the rescue can only provide information on what they have experienced with the dog/cat at the rescue and am satisfied and feel confident in the information they have provided and or that has been discussed.
I understand and accept that dogs/cats and animals act differently in different environments and with different people and I am satisfied and feel confident in the information the rescue has provided and or that has been discussed.
If introducing my new dog/cat to family cats/dogs I agree to the following:
MICROCHIP
All Rescue dogs/cats are micro-chipped.
ID tags are very important, but they can be removed, and, in cases of animal theft, often are.
Microchips form a permanent, invisible link between you and your pet. The chip won’t work if your contact information is incomplete or outdated! You’ll also need to update these records whenever you change your address or contact information.
Depending on what brand of chip the shelter or rescue uses that they came from, or that we use here at Give a Dog a Home Rescue would depend on what their fee's ar e for microchip registration on their database.
However, Give a Dog a Home Rescue uses a FREE registry: Free Pet Chip Registry
Within 24 hours of leaving the rescue, the microchip will be transferred from Give a Dog a Home Rescue's account to you using your information provided on the adoption contract.
You will receive an email from Free Pet Chip Registry, with a link to update the registration. There is no charge and you are also able to add any other current and future pets for free to your account.
You are, of course welcome to register with the actual microchip companies site, however, they may charge registration fees. The microchip brand will be on the paperwork.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
I understand that the dogs/cats behaviour at the rescue will most likely be different to that in their new home. Each animal, including humans respond and react differently to different environments, people and situations. As a person / family adopting this dog/cat,
I fully commit to work through any problems or issues that may arise.
Should I experience any behaviour or issues of concern I agree to the following:
REHOMING
We expect this to be an absolute last resort, since you are now committing to make this dog/cat part of your family and do anything and everything that it needs to settle, adjust, train and become a member of your family.
However, we accept that sometimes things just do not work out, or circumstances change and there is little or no option other than to re-home the dog. We do expect certain things from our adopters and that is to do anything and everything they can to try and make it work.
These dogs/cats have already been through so much emotional upset and change and it is never good for them having to go through it again.
As my commitment when I adopt the dog/cat, I agree to seek advice and assistance from a professional trainer / behaviourist to try to make the adoption work should I encounter any problems. An evaluation report is to be provided to the rescue should I need to return the dog/cat. I understand that this is at my expense.
I agree that if ever I need to re-home the dog, I must contact Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue. If I have friends or family willing to adopt the dog, then a new application & contract must be submitted and approved by the rescue. This is to ensure that if future problems arise the dog is contracted to come back to the safety of the rescue.
I understand and agree that should I need to return the adopted dog/cat to the rescue, I give at least SEVEN days notice in writing and I, as the dog/cat adopter and owner are 100% responsible for all arrangements and costs in getting the dog back to the rescue in Sebec, Maine.
I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to return the dog/cat to the rescue in Sebec at a mutual agreed time and understand the rescue has to make accommodations and time available to transition the dog/cat back into the rescue, which is very stressful.
I understand that should I take the dog/cat to a shelter, turn over to animal control, or anywhere other than returning the dog/cat to the rescue, that has not previously been discussed and agreed upon, I am liable for charges of breach of contract and the rescue will 100% take legal action.
If I need to immediately remove the dog/cat from the family environment, I Agree to temporary board the dog/cat in a safe, clean, reputable boarding facility or vet clinic for the required 7 day notice period, or until the rescue is able to take the dog/cat back and I am still responsible for the transportation of the dog/cat back to the rescue at the agreed day and time. This is 100% at my own expense.
If for any reason I have to return the dog/cat back to GaDaH, I do not expect any monetary refund.
LEGAL
It is agreed that if I fail to perform any of those acts which I have guaranteed to perform or I violate any term of this agreement, that the Rescue may, at its option, revoke this agreement and retake possession of the dog/cat and I will forfeit further right to the dog/cat.
I agree to hold harmless and release Rescue and/or its members, volunteers and other individuals working for and/or assisting with Rescue from all liability, claims, and/or causes of action arising from any acts, injury and/or occurrences engaged in and/or caused by the dog subject to this agreement, as well as indemnification for damages, court costs, and/or attorney's fees incurred by the Rescue and/or its members for any court proceedings relating to such matters. Jurisdiction for any dispute lies with the State of Maine courts.
I hereby give permission for Give a Dog a Home, German Shepherd Dog Rescue to use any updates and photos I share on their website and social media sites. NO personal information will be shared or disclosed.Should, after giving this permission, I decide a specific update or photo cannot be used, I will communicate this clearly with the rescue and this wish will be respected.*
I hereby accept full responsibility to care for this dog/cat. I understand and accept that all known medical and temperament information has been provided by GaDaH and I do not hold the rescue responsible for any medical needs after the date of adoption. By typing my name in the box below I agree to be bound to this agreement.*
I understand that I will spend time with the dog before committing to adopt. If there are any concerns on behaviour, medical, temperament or anything else, I will bring it to the attention of the rescue then. When I leave with the dog, it's care is now 100% my responsibility.
Although agreeing to this contract ahead of meeting potential dog. This contract is ONLY binding should both parties agree to go ahead with the adoption after meeting the dog and spending time with him/her to feel assured it is a good fit. If GaDaH or adopter decide to not go ahead with the adoption, this contract is null and void. PLEASE PRINT NAME IN BOX TO AGREE.
Adopter has read the foregoing adoption contract and fully understands and agrees to be bound to its provisions. By typing my name in the signature box below I agree to be bound to this agreement.*
Additional Comments*
By completing this adoption contract you have agreed to take ownership and 100% responsibility for the dog/cat in this agreement.
Give a Dog a Home Rescue does not have any resources or trainers to offer advice. You have agreed to seek a professional trainer and / or behaviourist to work through any issues that may arise.
You understand that it takes time for pets to decompress and to understand where they are, who you are and to learn the new rules and the people, structure and routine of the new home and family. Remind yourself of the "Rule of THREE".
If you need to contact the rescue, you must email - GaDaH@giveadogahome-rescue.org and understand that there is no one at the rescue available 24/7 and it could take several days to get a response.