What to put in a pet adoption contract
Updated · 7 min read · By the Second Tail team
A rescue adoption contract names the adopter and the animal, states the fee, discloses what the rescue knows about the animal's health and behavior, lists the adopter's care commitments, requires the animal to come back to the rescue if things don't work out, and transfers ownership with a liability release and signatures. Use the outline below as a starting point and have it reviewed for your state; this is not legal advice.
The sections most rescues include
Adoption contracts vary, but they share a shape. Here is a plain outline you can copy into your own document and adapt:
ADOPTION AGREEMENT
1. Parties
Rescue name, address, contact. Adopter name, address, phone, email.
2. The animal
Name, species, breed, sex, approximate age, color,
microchip number, spay/neuter status.
3. Adoption fee
Amount, what it covers (vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter),
and that it is non-refundable / refundable under [terms].
4. Disclosures
Known medical conditions, medications, behavior notes.
Adopter acknowledges they have received this information.
5. Care commitments
Indoor/outdoor, veterinary care, ID tag, licensing,
humane treatment, no chaining or tethering [as your rescue requires].
6. Return clause
If the adopter cannot keep the animal, they return it to the
rescue and do not sell, give away or surrender it elsewhere.
7. Spay / neuter
If not yet done: deadline and proof required.
8. Transfer of ownership
When ownership transfers, and any conditions.
9. Release of liability
[Have this section written or reviewed locally.]
10. Signatures
Adopter signature and date. Rescue representative and date.The clauses that matter most
The return clause
If you include one thing, include this. It keeps animals from ending up listed online or at a shelter when an adoption doesn't work out, and it means the rescue hears about it first.
Disclosures
Write down what you know: the ear infection that comes back, the resource guarding around food, the kitten who was a bottle baby. Adopters who know what to expect return animals less often, and a signed acknowledgment protects the rescue.
Spay and neuter
If an animal goes home before it is fixed, set a deadline and say what proof you need. Then put a reminder somewhere the team will see it.
Paper, PDF or online signing?
Paper contracts get signed at pickup, in a hurry, and the copy ends up in someone's car. Emailed PDFs come back unsigned or not at all. Online signing, where the adopter signs from a link on their phone and both sides get a copy, is the easiest to keep complete. Whatever you use, make sure the signed copy is stored with the animal's record.
Pair the contract with the payment so neither gets forgotten. Our guide on taking adoption fees online covers the order that works.
Where Second Tail fits
On Second Tail, the rescue uploads the adoption contract it already uses. Adopters sign it from a link on their phone with no account, get a signed copy by email, and the signed copy stays on the animal's profile. The rescue can send it from any animal's page, or adopters can sign at adoption checkout while paying the fee. Signing moves the animal to Adoption Pending, so the team can see where each adoption stands.
Common questions
What should a pet adoption contract include?
The parties and the animal (with microchip number), the adoption fee and what it covers, the animal's known health and behavior history, the adopter's care commitments, a return clause requiring the animal to come back to the rescue rather than be rehomed or surrendered elsewhere, any spay or neuter requirement, transfer of ownership, a liability release, and signatures with the date.
Is an online signature valid for an adoption contract?
In the United States, electronic signatures are generally valid for contracts like these under federal and state e-signature laws, as long as both sides agree to sign electronically and a copy is kept. Have a local professional confirm your contract's terms for your state.
Can a rescue take an animal back after adoption?
Only under what the contract says, and enforcing it can be hard. Most rescues include a return clause (the adopter must return the animal to the rescue if they can't keep it) and some include conditions for reclaiming an animal that is neglected. Write these clearly and get them reviewed.
Should the adoption contract mention the animal's medical issues?
Yes. List known conditions, medications, behavior notes and anything the rescue disclosed, and have the adopter acknowledge them. It protects the rescue and sets the adopter up to succeed.
Is there a free pet adoption contract template?
The outline on this page covers the usual sections and is free to adapt. Many state rescue associations and larger humane organizations also share sample contracts. Whatever you start from, have it reviewed for your state.