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Adoption Release Forms
Points to consider
- Release forms should go in the medical record and should be accompanied by client-friendly informational literature. Any relevant parts of the medical record, including laboratory testing, may also be given to the client.
- Develop a policy whether the shelter will ever adopt out sick animals. The alternatives are keeping the animals forever at the shelter or euthanasia.
- After adoption, what is the shelter's policy about medical care
- Take the animal back?
- Provide vet care?
- Pay for vet care?
- Consider offering clients a menu of collaborating veterinarians, and nurture communication between the collaborating veterinarians and the shelter.
- Consider creating informational handouts about common conditions such as feline URI or kennel cough etc and present this information to the client during counseling.
- As you can see from the following examples, the forms can be very simple and easily created. If you have a contact number at the shelter that either the client or the client's veterinarian can call for further information include it on this form.
Unfortunately, as we are all to aware, animals that appear healthy can be incubating an infectious disease that may not be noticed by the adopter until days after the animal has been brought into their home. Therefore, a veterinary exam of the animal should be scheduled by the adpoter as soon as possible and a "well animal medical release" should be on file at the shelter.
An example of a pre-adoption release form
Pre-adoption Release FormDate: ______________________________ Animal ID # _______________________ This pet is available for adoption and is apparently healthy. Although the animal appears well, an appointment for consultation with a local veterinarian should be made as soon as possible. I have received information about common diseases in animals from shelters, and realize that my animal may have undiagnosed medical problems or may be incubating an infectious condition. I accept responsibility for the continued veterinary care of the animal. I understand that the (Name of shelter) will not be able to provide further assistance with diagnosis and management of this animal, but will take the animal back with no questions asked within 2 weeks of adoption date Adopter’s signature: _______________________ Witnessed by: ____________________________ Date:_____________________________________
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An example of a pre-adoption health waiver
Pre-adoption Health WaiverDate: ______________________________ Animal ID # ___________________ Our (shelter, rescue group, humane society) has observed the following medical conditions in this animal: This animal has not been seen by a veterinarian for these concerns. If you would like to adopt the animal, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within _____ days. If you prefer, the animal may remain here until the staff veterinarian is able to evaluate it and make further recommendations. As the adopter, you assume all financial responsibility for any further medical expenses the animal requires. Please see handout for further information. Adopter’s veterinarian: ___________________________________ Date and time of appointment:___________________________ Adopter’s signature: _____________________________________ Witnessed by: ___________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________________ Thank you for adopting this very special animal!
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