Conditions of Adoption

This pet has been given to you in the firm and confident belief that it will receive a good home with responsible and loving care. Ownership of an animal yields much pleasure and satisfaction. It also has its obligations and responsibilities. The fact that the pet has been in our care usually indicates that someone has, in the past, failed to recognise these responsibilities.

I do hereby confirm and undertake that:

1. I am over eighteen (18) years of age.
2. All family members agree to the adoption and will abide by the conditions in the contract.
3. I can afford the services of a private veterinary practitioner.
4. I will not part with possession of the pet except to return it to SAFE, if for any reason I am unable to keep it. In the event that, I fail to do so, I agree that I will be liable to pay to SAFE all costs which they may incur in obtaining confirmation that the pet has been homed to a suitable person, with suitable premises. In the event that this is not the case, I also agree that I will be liable for all costs which SAFE may incur, including all legal costs on an attorney and client scale, in recovering possession of the pet.
5. Under NO circumstances shall the Adopter transfer permanent custody, ownership or possession of the pet to any person or entity, including but not limited to family or friends or any entity or agency, without the approval and written consent of SAFE.
6. I understand that SAFE does not offer refunds for returned pets.
7. I will give the pet a fair chance to adjust to its new home.
8. The outside area where the pet will be kept must be securely and entirely fenced and the gate to this area to be always closed and preferably locked (pet to be supervised when gate is opened).
9. The walls/fence to be of such a height that, in the case of a dog cannot scale or jump over.
10. In the case of puppies/kittens, very old dogs/cats and partially sighted/blind dogs/cats, the swimming pool must be completely and securely fenced to prevent the pet entering pool area. In the case of healthy, adult pets, the animal is to be shown the pool steps and taken into the pool so that he/she knows how to get out should he/she fall in.
11. The pet must not be chained under any circumstances or be abused either physically or psychologically.
12. I will not use or allow the animal to be used as a watchdog on any industrial or commercial premises.
13. I undertake to ensure that the animal has identification at all times. An ID disc is to be immediately attached to the pet’s collar indicating its name and telephone number. The pet must also have a microchip from 12 weeks old. Only elasticised or quick release collars may be used for cats.
14. A dog’s tail may not be docked, dogs’ ears not be cropped and a dog may not be debarked. Cats may not be declawed. No mutilation of any kind permitted.
15. The pet will be kept as a household pet and become a member of your family.
16. The pet is to sleep inside your home or a suitable sheltered environment.
17. The pet is to receive regular and adequate exercise.
18. The pet is to be kept free of fleas, ticks and worms and to be in a healthy condition. The pet is to be taken to a registered veterinary surgeon should it become sick.
19. The pet is to be kept in a safe and secure place during such times when it may be subjected to stress such as Guy Fawkes, Diwali celebrations, etc, or should you move house.
20. Should the pet become lost, SAFE must be advised immediately. Appropriate action needs to be taken to recover the pet: contact all animal agencies, the local veterinary clinics, police stations and an advert to be placed in local Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and flyers distributed in your residential and trading areas.
21. The adoption fee includes the cost of sterilisation. However, if the owner elects to use his/her own private veterinary surgeon, the pet must be sterilized by 6 months of age, in which case the cost would fall on you as the owner, and proof of sterilisation must be sent to SAFE once complete.
22. If the pet displays signs of illness requiring veterinary attention for a pre-existing condition within 7 days after adoption, the animal must be returned to SAFE for veterinary treatment. If, however, the owner elects to use his/her own private veterinarian, we will not refund any costs incurred.
23. SAFE is not responsible for any veterinary fees of whatever nature after the 7-day period has expired.
24. I will ensure that vaccinations are kept up to date and in the case of injury or illness professional veterinary treatment will be provided.
25. SAFE is not responsible for any injuries of any nature whatsoever which may inflicted on the new owner, his/her family or friends, or his/her existing pet/s by any of our animals available for adoption, either when viewing them, or after adoption.
26. The animal is to reside at the address given on this form and SAFE are to be notified of any change of address within seven (7) days.
27. If an animal is admitted for sterilisation and the vaccinations are not up-to-date, SAFE will automatically vaccinate the animal at the owner’s expense.
28. Please remember that if the pet is not the correct one for you, SAFE will welcome back the animal at any time and we will rehome the animal at our own discretion.
29. SAFE reserves the right to conduct follow-up visits to the adoptive home to ensure compliance with the conditions of adoption. I will permit an authorised officer of SAFE to visit my premises from time to time, to be assured that the animal is being treated in accordance with this Policy. Should SAFE find, during the follow-up visits, that one or more of these conditions are not adhered to, the new owner will allow SAFE to repossess the animal, if in SAFE’s opinion, the terms of this policy are not being reasonably adhered to. Any payment/donation made in respect of the animal will not be refunded.