Like many of the other responses here, we will (on occasion) refund the adoption fee, but this is what they must sign as part of the adoption contract:
I hereby acknowledge receiving from Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), the animal described herein and therefore promise and agree to provide for the necessary food, water, shelter, identification and veterinary care. CAP has the right to investigate the new home and to remove the animal if the home is unsuitable. If at any time I can no longer care for or keep this animal, I agree to return it to CAP.
I understand that the information CAP has regarding the animal, was provided by the individual who surrendered the animal. I agree to hold CAP harmless should this animal cause any bodily, injury, personal or public damage while in my possession. I agree to assume full responsibility for said animal's actions, habits, mannerisms, health and care and any possible damage done by said animal.
All animals placed in CAP's adoption program are evaluated for health and temperament. Because the animals in the shelter are often stray, with no known medical history, it is possible that some may not show signs of illness until several weeks after adoption. I have read and completely understand the animal health record and all of the inoculations, medication and treatments given to the animal I am adopting. I also understand that I am responsible for any and all medical costs incurred after adopting the above said animal and WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED BY CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION for any of these costs.
I agree to read the additional care information provided at the time of adoption and contact CAP if I have any questions.
I agree to make an appointment with a veterinarian at a full-service clinic within 72 hours of picking up the pet. I understand that this examination is free if I use a veterinarian on the list given to me.
The donation given by the undersigned is a gift; therefore, no refund will be made under any circumstances. There will be a 2-week provisional health or temperament exchange for another animal.
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Sandi Mercado
Shelter or rescue director
Citizens for Animal Protection
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2023 08:06 AM
From: Amanda Gray
Subject: Does anyone have a policy for helping with medical that presents immediately after adoption?
Do you have protocols in place for how much you as a rescue or shelter help adopters ( if you do) with bills for medical issues that appear after adoption?
When our cats are on adoption trial, we cover any medical issues that may arise. We don't currently have a policy in place for adoptions that are finalized but this came up recently for us.
One of our recent hoarding house cats was adopted after passing a 2 week quarantine and completing all his preventatives with us, and then a couple days after adoption, he crashed with the adopter and presented with some life-threatening issues requiring hospitalization. When he was in our care, he did not present with any medical issues, but I understand the frustration that the adopter is feeling having just brought home a new pet and having this huge medical bill and they are asking for help with payment.
For our rescue, this is complicated because the adopter lives too far away for him to have taken him to our vet and for us to assist with the diagnostics and so we already know that certain tests were run unnecessarily and repeated what we had already done as preventative care. For this case, we agreed to start a fundraiser on social media letting people know that we don't do this often, but we want to help out this adopter.
What do you all do in this kind of a situation? I feel like it's struggle between what we are technically responsible for and maintaining a good image and reputation in the community.
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
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Amanda Gray
Truly All Cats Trapping and Rescue
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