GBP ADOPTION CONTRACT

Adopter Agrees that they have carefully read through all the adoption resources on the Gals Best Pal website.

This Adoption contract and the pre-adoption application represent the entire agreement between Gals Best Pal Inc. and the Adopter concerning the dog. Any modifications hereto must be done in writing and signed by both parties to this adoption contract. We have read and hearby agree to abide by all the terms and conditions of this adoption contract concerning the adoption of the dog. This is a binding contract, enforceable by civil law.

The vast majority of our dogs have been abandoned by owners, removed from neglect/abusive situations, are rescued off the streets, or pulled from kill shelters. Most of the time we don’t know their history before they come into our rescue program, nor do we know the exact breed/mix. Personalities and temperaments are assessed while in foster, where they are exposed to other dogs, kids and people, but please know that behavior can drastically change from one environment to another. Our foster homes and Gals Best Pal Inc.do the best they can to reasonably provide one on one attention, adequate exercise/stimulation and basic training. Gals Best Pal Inc. and it’s foster homes cannot do it all. Adopter fully understands, is aware and agrees that Gals Best Pal Inc. makes no guarantees or warranties whatsoever as to the health, temperament, mental dispossession and training of the dog.

Adopter Is responsible for the well-being of the dog, as well as those around the dog ( People and animals alike), even the most well trained dogs can bite. It is the responsibility of the Adopter to assure that both the dog and those around the dog are safe.

Your dogs basic needs, and what happens if they aren’t met? We are counting on you to help your dog become the best that it can be. This does not happen on its own automatically. You and your family need to put in a lot of time, effort and work, in order for your dog to become a good canine citizen. It’s absolutely heartbreaking for us to adopt out a well socialized, outgoing puppy, to have it be returned a year later because it has become a nuisance, is acting up, or is challenging another dog in the house. The vast majority of the time when a dog is returned, it is because the adopters have not followed through with their training commitment, having completely failed their Gals Best Pal Inc's Dog. Most of the reasons for bad behavior are usually a result of inadequate exercise and lack of training, which ultimately forces a dog to become outcast in the family. This once beloved puppy, has now become THAT dog. This is not the dogs fault. This is the fault of the adopter. Now Gals Best Pal Inc. is left to try and find a new home for a year old plus dog with behavioral issues, needless to say nobody wants to adopt that kind of dog.

If you are adopting a puppy under six months old, we strongly urge you to enroll in a puppy 101 class. For dogs older than six months, we strongly urge you to enroll them into a basic manners/obedience class. It is not recommended that an E-collar ever be used on a puppy under 1 year old. At this age, we strongly recommend that any trainer you hire be a Positive Reinforcement Trainer. Please ask your Matchmaker for a list of recommended trainers! For PALS over 1 year old, we strongly recommend Positive Reinforcement or Balanced Trainers. It is never a one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to dog training. Each dogs' temperament and learning style must be factored in. We have many resources and can help you find the right fit for your dog. Please reach out to your Matchmaker. Training does not stop here, it is a lifetime commitment! If your puppy/dog does well in these classes and becomes well-adjusted to where they can handle multiple situations, interactions with other dogs, strange people, etc.… Then terrific! But remember, life changes are inevitable, always stay on top of the training!

If any of the training Professionals/Dog behaviorists with whom you work, strongly suggest that you enroll in further training for your dog, it is extremely important to follow through immediately. Handling behavioral problems as they come up is key. Without training, exercise, and the proper socialization, your dog may deem be deemed as a public safety risk and in some cases, can result in a death sentence.

Training Is the absolute most important aspect of owning a dog in order to keep, not only the dog safe, but others( including people and animals alike) around it safe too. Training helps prevent behavioral issues, but can also create a closer bond between you and the dog. Adopter is responsible for and will use best efforts to provide the training of the dog whether that be one-on-one, group classes or any type of training the dog requires, or from which it may benefit. For your convenience, we have resources available under our USEFUL TIPS AND HANDOUTS PAGE.

List the name, city and website address of trainer that you plan on working with.

Allowing a dog to come into your home without any plan for training, exercise or structure is a recipe for disaster! Dogs thrive on rules, boundaries, exercise, routine and of course, consistency. Including when they are fed, when they go out, when they exercise, etc. Right from the beginning, a consistent and structured routine is crucial to help the dog acclimate to the transition. The Adopter is responsible for and agrees to use best efforts to provide the dog with structure, training, boundaries and consistency.

Exercise is essential to the daily routine of any dog. A tired dog is a happy and (usually) well-behaved dog! Adequate exercise can help prevent both behavioral and health issues. Dogs need to get their heart rate up each day and require stimulation to exercise the mind. Adopter is responsible for providing and agrees to provide the dog with adequate exercise each day.

Please List the name, city and website address of doggy daycare, or dog walker you plan on working with.

Gals Best Pal Inc. realizes that unfortunate situations where a family can absolutely no longer keep the dog, including divorce/break up, moving to a new home, loss of job, military deployment, death etc. These issues are uncomfortable to discuss, but in the best interest of the dog, Gals Best Pal Inc. asks adopters to have a back up plan for these cases. In advance, these are conversations to have with partners, families, extended family about the situation where you are no longer able to keep the dog. Although rare Gals Best Pal Inc.dog's do get returned, for all the reasons above. Gals Best Pal Inc. works with Adopter to do what is in the best interest of each dog. Gals Best Pal Inc. however, does not have a formal facility and depends on foster‘s alone, and Therefore, taking back the dog immediately may not be possible. Gals Best Pal Inc. makes a lifetime commitment to each dog and expects that the Adopters will also.

If for any reason this adoption is not satisfactory to the adopter, or if the adopter fails to comply with the terms of adoption stated in this contract (at any time during the life of the dog), the Adopter must contact Gals Best Pal Inc. immediately and first, to determine the next course of action. Adopter agrees and understands that Gals Best Pal Inc. has the right of first refusal to take the dog. The dog may not be given away (to another person or surrender to a shelter or another rescue organization)or sold, by any means without the prior, written approval of Gals Best Pal Inc..

Should the dog need to be returned for any reason, a written, professional behavioral evaluation must be obtained by the Adopter before Gals Best Pal Inc. will commit to bringing the dog back into the rescue. Gals Best Pal Inc. also reserves the right to refuse to except the dog back into our program. If Gals Best Pal Inc. is able to accept the dog back into our program, the current owner, the Adopter, will need to provide housing for the dog for up to Fourteen (14) days after the evaluation has been received by Gals Best Pal Inc., while Gals Best Pal Inc. finds a new foster or adopter for the dog. If you, the Adopter, should need to board the dog while waiting, that will be at your expense. Gals Best Pal Inc.reserves the right to charge a relocation fee of $250-$500 to take the dog back into our program, to put towards potential boarding and rehabilitation with a professional trainer. If the Adopter provides proof of advanced training with a professional, this relocation fee may be waived.

If the dog is transported from out of state, prior to the dog coming to Massachusetts, an official USDA health certificate was obtained, confirming at the time of the visit, the dog was healthy to transport.( If the adopted dog is rescued from within the state of Massachusetts, they will receive a health certificate from a Massachussets Board Certified Veterinarian, confirming at the time of the visit, that the dog was healthy.) Adopter is 100% responsible for any and all veterinary bills incurred after the effective date of this adoption contract. This includes, but is not limited to, treatment of fleas, intestinal parasites (including giardiasis and coccidia), heartworm treatment, orthopedic surgery, kennel cough and mange. Adopter will provide the medical care including the above at Adopter’s own expense. As such, the Adopter is responsible for providing sufficient food, water, shelter, kind treatment and proper medical care for the dog at all times. In addition, the Adopter must provide monthly care, yearly vaccines, monthly heartworm preventative, flea tick preventative and other necessary medication to keep the dog healthy.( In the event that the dog is not spayed or neutered at time of adoption, a Gals Best Pal Inc. representative will coordinate and a appointment at one of our participating veterinarians)

Gals Best Pal Inc. requires that You (The Adopter)
take your new dog (The Dog) to a veterinarian within 48 hours (2 days) after adoption pick up, for an initial wellness visit/baseline check. This helps to establish a relationship between the dog and the Veterinarian, will get them into the system as a client, and will also make sure that your dog is health-wise, everything you are looking for!

Please list the name of the Veterinarian you plan on using.

Please list the Veterinarian's city you plan on using

Please list the Veterinarian's phone number you plan on using.

Adopter has fourteen (14) days from date of adoption to return the dog to Gals Best Pal Inc. for a requested refund of the paid adoption fee, minus $100. The refund will be issued via a physical check, mailed to the Adopter’s address. If you would like this refund, please email the request to team@galsbestpal.com with your mailing address. After 14 days, the dog may be returned for any reason, however, no adoption fee will be refunded. Adopter cannot pick up the dog until He/She has returned a completed adoption contract and paid the adoption fee. Without a completed adoption contract and paid adoption fee, the Adopter has no right to ownership of the dog.

The Adopter acknowledges that they have read through this adoption contract and fully understands and agrees to all statements and adoption requirements as stated in each paragraph of the adoption contract.

THE ADOPTER(S) PROMISES AND AGREES TO BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOG AND TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS GALS BEST PAL INC, AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS, VOLUNTEERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL CLAIMS OF LIABILITY FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE DOG ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ADOPTION CONTRACT. THE UNDERSIGNED FURTHER AGREES AND INTENDS THAT THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION SHALL APPLY TO ALL KNOWN, UNKNOWN AND UNANTICIPATED DAMAGES RESULTING FROM MY/OUR ADOPTION, OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF THE DOG. I, (WE), THE UNDERSIGNED ADOPTER(S) OF THE DOG, REFERRED TO AS ADOPTER(S), AGREE TO ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH WITHIN THE PAGES OF THIS ADOPTION CONTRACT AS PROVIDED BY GALS BEST PAL INC., AND CONFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE ASSOCIATED PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION IS COMPLETE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY (OUR) KNOWLEDGE. I, (WE) AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND PROVIDE AN ADOPTION FEE IN ORDER TO ADOPT THE DOG. I, (WE), UNDERSTAND THAT NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR MISSTATEMENT OF FACTS ON THE PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION GRANTS GALS BEST PAL INC. THE RIGHT TO RECLAIM THE DOG WITH NO REFUND OR RECOURSE DUE ADOPTER. THE ADOPTION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE IF THE ADOPTION CONTRACT IS TERMINATED BY GALS BEST PAL INC. FOR ANY REASON. THIS ADOPTION CONTRACT WILL BE IN EFFECT AS OF DATE BELOW AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL NOTIFICATION TO GALS BEST PAL INC, BY ADOPTER OF THE DEATH OF THE DOG. SUCH NOTIFICATION OF DEATH, OR THE REPOSSESSION OF DOG BY GALS BEST PAL INC., OR RETURN OF DOG TO GALS BEST PAL INC. (FOR ANY REASON), SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT. ALL LITIGATION, ARBITRATION OR OTHER LEGAL MATTERS REGARDING THIS ADOPTION ARE TO BE RESOLVED UNDER THE APPROPRIATE LEGAL OFFICE OF THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS AND IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. ADOPTER FURTHER AGREES THAT SHOULD ANY SUCH LEGAL ACTIONS BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF GALS BEST PAL INC., ADOPTER WILL REIMBURSE GALS BEST PAL INC. FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE DISPUTE. ADOPTER AGREES THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE TO ADOPTER FOR RECOVERY SHOULD ADOPTER PROVE SUCCESSFUL IN A COURT OF LAW OR ELSEWHERE WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF THE ADOPTION FEE. INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING TEMPERAMENT AND HEALTH IS BASED UPON KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED DURING THE TIME THE DOG HAS BEEN UNDER THE CARE OF FOSTER FAMILY AND MAY NOT REFLECT FACTS NOT AVAILABLE TO GALS BEST PAL INC. AT THE TIME OF ADOPTION. GALS BEST PAL INC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR VETERINARIAN BILLS INCURRED AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THE DOG. SIGN BELOW TO CONFIRM YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND.

What Is the name of your GBP MATCHMAKER?

The Adopter acknowledges that heartworm disease is common in the southern United States and understands that without consistent, monthly heartworm prevention, the Dog is at risk of contracting this potentially fatal disease. The Adopter agrees to provide continuous, year-round heartworm prevention as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

The Adopter further understands that heartworm disease has a delayed detection window, meaning a Dog may test negative before adoption but later test positive due to prior exposure. The Adopter acknowledges that all dogs adopted from Gals Best Pal Inc. have tested negative for heartworms before travel and that Gals Best Pal Inc. cannot be held responsible for any heartworm-positive diagnosis post-adoption.

By signing this contract, the Adopter accepts full financial and medical responsibility for the Dog’s care, including but not limited to heartworm prevention and treatment. The Adopter understands that Gals Best Pal Inc does not reimburse or cover medical costs incurred after adoption. For more information on heartworm disease and prevention, the Adopter is encouraged to consult the American Heartworm Society.

Do you understand the importance of heartworm preventative each and every month, year around for the life of your dog?

I understand that the law requires Gals Best Pal Inc. to spay/ neuter all their dogs being adopted through the rescue. The only exception to this rule would be, if a licensed veterinarian examines the DOG, and certifies in writing that it is medically unsafe for the DOG. If this is the case, they would need to sign a medical waiver.

Therefore, I understand that if the DOG has not been spay/neutered prior to me adopting, I agree to have the animal spay/neutered by a licensed veterinarian as soon as the surgery is deemed medically appropriate for the animal.

Gals Best Pal Incorporated will be setting up the spay/neuter surgery through one of our partner Veterinary practices throughout the state of MA. We expect that you please take this appointment seriously and show up on time, on the scheduled day and time of the appointment.

I will provide proof to Gals Best Pal Incorporated, that the DOG was spay/neutered via electronic mail to team@galsbestpal.com as soon as the surgery is complete.

Additionally, I have read through the adopter handout and the information regarding living with an intact animal, including any potential behavioral or medical risks that are involved. I had an opportunity to review the information and ask questions prior to signing this agreement. I agree that all of my questions were fully answered, and I understand and accept any risks involved with owning and living with an intact animal.

I understand that the law requires that my DOG be spay/ neutered when they are adopted.

*1. I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT PARTICIPATION IN A M&G REQUIRES ME TO COME IN CONTACT WITH A DOG, AND THERE ARE KNOWN AND UNANTICIPATED RISKS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL INJURY SUCH AS DOG BITES AND/OR SCRATCHES OR PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT CONTROLLING THAT RISK IS A RESPONSIBILITY THAT AS A PARTICIPANT I MUST SHARE.
2. I EXPRESSLY AGREE TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE M&G. MY PARTICIPATION IS PURELY VOLUNTARY, AND I ELECT TO PARTICIPATE REGARDLESS OF THE RISKS.
3. I HEREBY VOLUNTARILY RELEASE, FOREVER DISCHARGE AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS GBP, ITS FOUNDERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, THE M&G ORGANIZERS, INCLUDING THE FOSTER AND/OR M&G HOSTS, AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “ORGANIZATION”) FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, OR CAUSES OF ACTION THAT ARE IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS M&G, INCLUDING ANY SUCH CLAIMS WHICH ALLEGES NEGLIGENT ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WILL PRECLUDE ME FROM SUING THE ORGANIZATION IN THE EVENT I AM ACCIDENTLY INJURED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE M&G.
4. I AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT PRESCRIBED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS M&G AS SET FORTH BY THE ORGANIZATION.
5. I ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE M&G I AM NOT COVERED BY THE ORGANIZATION’S INSURANCE POLICY FOR ANY DAMAGES OR INJURIES I MAY SUSTAIN DURING THE M&G. I FURTHER AGREE TO ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY HEALTH OR OTHER PERSONAL LOSS OCCURRED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE M&G THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE.
6. I HEREBY GIVE PERMISSION TO THE ORGANIZATION TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPH OR VIDEO IMAGES OF ME WHILE AT THE M&G AND THAT GBP MAY USE SUCH PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOS IN PERPETUITY IN PROMOTIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND FUNDRAISING MATERIALS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE GBP WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS, AND OTHER PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL RECEIVE NO NAME RECOGNITION OR MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR THE USE OF SUCH PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOS.
7. BY SIGNING THIS FORM, I ACKNOWLEDGE I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT, AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS, AND UNDERSTAND IT IS BINDING ON MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES. THIS MEET AND GREET CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM IS EXECUTED BY ME VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT RELIANCE UPON ANY REPRESENTATION BY ANY PERSON. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT BY TYPING/SIGNING MY NAME AND SUBMITTING THIS FORM, THAT IT WILL BE A LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACT.Gals Best Pal Incorporated.