1. WHEREAS, Halfway There is a pet rescue organization that rescues and temporarily fosters dogs and cats that might otherwise be euthanized and adopts the rescued animals to permanent homes; 

2. WHEREAS, Adopter desires to adopt Halfway There’s animal identified below (the “Animal”):

3. WHEREAS, Halfway There has evaluated the application submitted by Adopter and believes that Adopter can provide the Animal with a suitable, loving and permanent home; and

4. WHEREAS, Halfway There desires to transfer, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, and Adopter desires to accept, possession of and title to the Animal.

1. Adoption Fee.  Adopter agrees to pay Halfway There a nonrefundable adoption fee of $______ promptly upon execution of this Adoption Agreement.

2. Initial Veterinary Examination.  Adopter will take the Animal to a veterinarian within 14 days of the date of this Adoption Agreement for a general physical examination and any necessary vaccinations, deworming, medications, neutering/spaying or other medical treatment, at Adopter’s own expense. If Animal is neutered/spayed after adoption, Adopter will provide Halfway There with written proof of neuter/spay surgery within 30 days of the date of this Adoption Agreement.

3. Compliance With Laws.  Adopter will abide by the animal control laws of the state and county of Adopter’s residence, including having the Animal inoculated against rabies.

4. Post-Adoption Care by Adopter.  Adopter will provide the Animal with appropriate, prompt and humane care. At a minimum, Adopter will do the following:

1. keep the Animal current on all vaccinations for the balance of the Animal’s life;
2. have the Animal examined by a veterinarian at least once per year;
3. treat the Animal with flea/tick control medication from May-October of each year and heartworm prevention medication year round, in a dosage that corresponds to the Animal’s weight;
4. provide the Animal with adequate food and water;
5. ensure that the Animal lives primarily inside, and never tie or chain the Animal outside;
6. whenever the Animal is outdoors, Adopter will keep the Animal in a fenced area or on a leash; and
7. pay all expenses reasonably necessary to sustain the Animal’s positive quality of life.

5. Post-Adoption Follow-Up by Halfway There.  After the adoption, Halfway There may examine and inquire about the Animal at any time. Adopter will cooperate with Halfway There and keep Halfway There informed about the Animal.

6. Should behavioral issues arise with the Animal, Adopter agrees to exhaust all options prior to returning the Animal. This includes, but is not limited to, hiring a trainer to remedy the behavior of concern.

7. Returns.  If Adopter is ever dissatisfied with the Animal or no longer wishes to own the Animal, Adopter must contact Halfway There immediately. If Halfway There is able to take this animal back into their system, Adopter must return the Animal. If Halfway There is unable to accept this animal, Adopter must work in conjunction with Halfway There to determine a suitable alternative for the Animal. Any decisions must be agreed upon by Halfway There. Adopter’s sole remedy against Halfway There is return of the Animal.

8. No Transfers Without Halfway There Consent.  Adopter will not advertise the Animal for adoption or sale. Adopter will not give, sell, transfer or surrender the Animal to any individual(s) or organization other than Halfway There without the prior written consent of Halfway There, which may be withheld for any reason.

9. No Warranties.  Adopter accepts the Animal as is, where is. Adopter understands and agrees that Halfway There has made no express warranty, representation or promise of any kind with respect to the Animal. Halfway There disclaims all implied warranties of any kind, including, but not limited to, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

10. Repossession by Halfway There, Attorney’s Fees.  Adopter understands and agrees that if Adopter fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this Adoption Agreement Adopter forfeits the Animal to Halfway There without the need for a court order. Adopter will reimburse Halfway There for all expenses incurred by Halfway There to enforce Adopter’s obligations under this Adoption Agreement, including Halfway There’s reasonable attorney’s fees. If Adopter gives, sells, transfers or surrenders the Animal without Halfway There’s consent, Adopter shall pay Halfway There a recovery fee of $500 to cover the costs involved, in whole or in part, in recovering the Animal.

11. Post-Adoption Responsibility.  Adopter agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Halfway There from all claims and causes of action with respect to the Animal that arise on or after the date of this Adoption Agreement.

12. Severability.  If any part of this Adoption Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Adoption Agreement will continue to be valid and enforceable.

13. Choice of Law and Dispute Resolution.  This Adoption Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard for its choice of law principles. In the event that legal action has to be brought to enforce any rights or obligations under this Adoption Agreement, Adopter hereby consents to the jurisdiction and venue of the state courts of York County, South Carolina.