This Adoption Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on the date indicated below between Top Notch Paws (hereafter “Breeder”) and the Adopting Party (hereafter “Adopter”). This Agreement ensures that both parties are aligned on the responsibilities, obligations, and expectations of ownership.
This legally binding Agreement outlines the ownership rights, breeding restrictions, health guarantees, payment terms, return policies, and any known health conditions of the puppy. Both parties understand that the ultimate goal is to provide the puppy with a safe, loving, and permanent home.
By signing this Agreement, the Adopter confirms they have read, understood, and accepted the terms set forth, and commit to lifelong care for the puppy.
The puppy must be housed primarily indoors as a family companion. Outdoor exercise is essential, but the puppy may not be left unsupervised or exposed to dangerous conditions, such as extreme weather.
The Adopter agrees to provide:
In case of emergency (such as injury, severe illness, or respiratory distress), the Adopter must provide immediate veterinary care. All emergency care costs are the Adopter’s responsibility. The Breeder may request veterinary records to verify treatment and the puppy’s well-being.
The Adopter agrees to:
The Adopter must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations governing pet ownership, including:
The Adopter agrees to:
The Adopter agrees to participate in periodic check-ins with the Breeder during the first year to provide updates on the puppy’s health and behavior. The Breeder may request photos, videos, or veterinary records during these check-ins.
The Adopter agrees that owning a puppy is a lifelong responsibility. If the Adopter can no longer provide care, they must notify the Breeder for rehoming assistance (see Section 5).
While the Breeder ensures the puppy is healthy and well-socialized at adoption, no guarantees are made about future behavior, temperament, or health beyond the terms of this Agreement. Upon transfer, the Adopter assumes full responsibility for the puppy.
The Adopter agrees that the puppy is adopted solely as a companion pet and will not be bred unless breeding rights are purchased separately.
If a veterinarian advises delaying sterilization for health reasons, the Adopter must notify the Breeder immediately. A temporary exemption may be granted upon receiving written justification. If breeding rights are granted, specific terms, such as health screenings and litter limitations, will apply.
The Breeder controls all breeding decisions to protect genetic health. Unauthorized breeding includes intentional or accidental mating without written consent.
The Adopter may not sell, transfer, or gift the puppy without the Breeder’s written consent. This applies to:
The Adopter agrees to cooperate with reasonable check-ins from the Breeder regarding the puppy’s sterilization or breeding status. The Breeder may:
If breeding rights are granted, the Adopter agrees to follow strict guidelines, ensuring the health of both the puppy and offspring.
The Adopter acknowledges that the Breeder has a vested interest in maintaining the bloodline. Unauthorized breeding or non-compliance allows the Breeder to reclaim the puppy without compensation.
The Adopter holds the Breeder harmless for any complications related to sterilization or authorized breeding, including but not limited to:
Once the puppy is transferred to the Adopter, all liability for its actions, care, and well-being shifts to the Adopter, including:
The Adopter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Breeder harmless from any claims, lawsuits, or damages arising from the puppy’s actions, including:
The Breeder does not guarantee the behavior or temperament of the puppy after adoption. Behavior is shaped by the Adopter’s training and environment.
The Adopter is responsible for ensuring the puppy’s behavior complies with local laws and public safety regulations, including:
The Adopter acknowledges the inherent risks of owning a puppy, such as:
The Breeder’s liability is limited strictly to the terms of this Agreement. Under no circumstances will the Breeder be held responsible for:
The Breeder reserves the right to intervene if the puppy’s health or safety is at risk due to neglect, abuse, or improper care, including:
The Breeder recommends the Adopter obtain liability insurance covering pets to protect against financial exposure. Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may offer limited coverage, and additional insurance is advised for high-risk environments.
At Top Notch Paws, we take every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of our puppies prior to adoption. This Health & Genetic Guarantee offers protection against life-threatening genetic disorders that may arise within the first 12 months of adoption. While we strive to raise healthy puppies, we cannot guarantee the absence of health issues over the course of the puppy’s life.
This guarantee covers life-threatening genetic disorders that impair the puppy’s quality of life and require significant medical intervention, including but not limited to:
4.2 Conditions for Guarantee Coverage
4.3 Remedies Under the Guarantee
The Adopter acknowledges the inherent risks of owning a puppy, such as:
This guarantee does not cover:
The Breeder is not responsible for:
To maintain the validity of this guarantee, the Adopter agrees to:
This guarantee covers only the specific conditions listed and does not extend to general veterinary care or future behavior. The Breeder makes no warranties beyond the scope of this Agreement, as health and behavior are influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
The Adopter releases the Breeder from liability for:
At Top Notch Paws, we prioritize finding every puppy a safe and loving home for life. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, preventing the Adopter from continuing care. This section outlines the return procedures to ensure the puppy’s well-being and appropriate rehoming.
If the Adopter is unable to care for the puppy at any time, the puppy must be returned to the Breeder. Independent rehoming without the Breeder’s knowledge or consent is strictly prohibited.
5.2 Notification Requirement and Return Process
Initial Notification: The Adopter must notify the Breeder as soon as the need to return the puppy arises. The notice must include:
Scheduling the Return: The Adopter and Breeder will coordinate the return. Transportation costs are the Adopter’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed.
Health and Behavior Records: All veterinary and behavior records must be provided at the time of return.
Refunds are limited to cases involving covered genetic disorders diagnosed within 12 months (see Section 4).
The Breeder offers rehoming assistance to place returned puppies in appropriate homes.
Adopter Cooperation: The Adopter may be asked to provide:
Adopters who return puppies without valid cause or fail to follow return procedures may be disqualified from future adoptions.
The Breeder is not responsible for:
The Breeder reserves the right to reclaim the puppy if severe neglect, abuse, or improper care is reported. Reclamation may occur without compensation if:
Once the puppy is returned, the Adopter releases the Breeder from liability for:
At the time of adoption, the Breeder will disclose known health conditions to the best of their knowledge with as accurate information as possible. By adopting a puppy with a disclosed condition, the Adopter assumes full responsibility for managing the condition and any potential issues associated with or resulting from it. This waiver ensures the Breeder is released from any liability or financial obligations related to the known condition or any complications connected to, remotely connected to, or resulting from it.
The Breeder will provide a detailed description of any known or observed conditions before finalizing adoption, which may include:
The Adopter will receive all available veterinary records regarding the disclosed condition, with the understanding that no future care, compensation, or reimbursement will be provided by the Breeder.
By proceeding with the adoption, the Adopter agrees to:
The Adopter acknowledges that the Health & Genetic Guarantee (see Section 4) does not apply to disclosed conditions or related issues. Specifically:
The Adopter releases the Breeder from all liability related to the disclosed condition and any issues associated with or resulting from it, including but not limited to:
The Return Policy (see Section 5) does not apply to puppies with disclosed health conditions.
The Adopter acknowledges that adopting a puppy with a known health condition involves inherent risks, such as:
The Adopter agrees to maintain detailed veterinary records documenting the puppy’s care and provide them to the Breeder upon request if questions arise.
By signing below, the Adopter confirms that:
This section confirms that both the Adopter and Breeder have reviewed and accepted the terms outlined in this Agreement. By signing, both parties acknowledge their responsibilities and commitments associated with the puppy’s adoption. This Agreement is legally binding and reflects a mutual understanding of all terms.
This Agreement encompasses the following sections:
The Adopter confirms they have had sufficient time to review, understand, and ask questions about this Agreement. The Breeder affirms that all sections were discussed transparently prior to signing.
This document represents the entire agreement between the parties. No verbal statements or external agreements will modify these terms unless a written amendment is signed by both parties.
This Agreement is legally binding under the laws of the state where the adoption takes place. Both parties agree to resolve disputes through mediation or arbitration before pursuing legal action, unless otherwise required by law.
In case of a breach, the non-defaulting party may pursue remedies, including damages, injunctions, or specific performance.
Adopter’s Responsibilities:
The Adopter agrees to sign each individual page of this Agreement, confirming their understanding and acceptance of all terms. These signatures confirm no unauthorized modifications were made.
Ownership of the puppy will transfer to the Adopter after all payments are completed, and this document is signed. The Adopter agrees that failure to comply with the Agreement’s terms may result in legal action or reclamation of the puppy without refund.
Any changes to this Agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties. Unauthorized modifications will be considered null and void.
If any provision of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining sections will remain valid and enforceable. The invalid provision will be replaced with one that closely reflects the original intent.
This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the state where the adoption occurs. Any legal disputes will be resolved in a court within that jurisdiction.
By signing below, the Adopter confirms they understand and agree to all terms outlined in this Agreement. The Breeder affirms that all terms were clearly explained to the Adopter prior to signing.
This Agreement is a legally binding document. Any violation of its terms will be treated as a material breach and may result in legal action. The Adopter acknowledges that this Agreement represents a commitment to the well-being of the puppy and adherence to the outlined terms.
