Dog Adoption Application

 

Creatures of Heart Sanctuary, Inc. (COHS, Inc.)

Code of Ethics

Ø      We are operating our group for the welfare of the animals in our care and not for personal profit. Any fees we charge for adoption or other services go to fund our organization's ongoing work. While we may have paid staff, our group or shelter is not intended to be a profitable business but a charitable organization. We are a registered non-profit group or charity, or are working towards becoming one.

Ø      We are dedicated both to care of animals and also to educational efforts on behalf of those animals. As part of this commitment, we provide education and support to those who adopt animals from us.

Ø      As an organization, we do not keep, adopt, or provide animals for the purpose of breeding or sale.

Ø      We screen our adoptive homes carefully and do not place animals without such screening.

Ø      We provide education, training, and support to our volunteers.

Adoptable pets will be altered, up to date on vaccinations, have been tested for heartworm, and are microchipped.

(1) Please be honest and give complete information on your adoption application form. Giving false or incorrect information could cause delays in processing your application, or in some cases, can be grounds for it to be voided or declined by COHS, Inc.

(2) Please understand that we may receive multiple applications for the same pet, and we at COHS, Inc. strive to attain the “best possible match” between pets and their potential “forever homes.” We try to make sure that each adoption is as complete a match, and as safe as possible for all involved … the pet, you, and your family.

(3) Our adoption contracts contain terms which are very specific, and must be adhered to. Pet adoptions do fall under Sacramento County regulations – so COHS, Inc. isn’t always the one “making the rules” that have to be followed.

(4) Adoption contracts are a legally binding agreement.

(5) Adoption donations and fees are non-refundable, per the terms of our contract. Our adoption contract states that COHS, Inc. will always “take a pet back” in the event that Adopter changes his/her mind, the pet doesn’t adjust to the Adopter’s family and/or lifestyle, or the Adopter for some reason is no longer able to care for the pet; however, these conditions are not acceptable grounds for a refund. We expect that our potential adopters have given proper and due consideration to the responsibilities of adopting a pet, and we spend considerable time with each potential adopter to that end. We at COHS, Inc. are human, and do try to understand changes in circumstances beyond our Adopter’s control, so in some rare cases with extreme circumstances, refunds may be considered by the Director and/or Board of Directors on a case by case basis.

Why are adoption fees non-refundable??

The adoption fees paid to COHS, Inc. are the lifeblood of the organization.  It is not so much a "cost" paid for the pet you adopt (and in most cases doesn't cover our investment in that particular pet), but more a financial contribution towards the future work of the organization, so that another homeless animal just like the one you're adopting can be guaranteed their "second chance" at the life they deserve.  An adopter before you paid a donation, which enabled us to provide the necessary health checkups and medical care required by the pet you're adopting ... the donation you pay when you adopt your pet ensures that we'll be able to do the same for the next incoming animal ... continuing the process.  Without these non-refundable adoption donations, we would not be able  to continue helping the large number of animals our programs sponsor each year.

Criteria for Adoption:  Dogs

  1. This will be an indoor family member dog--must sleep indoors.
  2. Dog must have a fenced and contained yard so the dog has the freedom to go outside from the house to the yard for their potty business.  Fence must be secure and TOO tall for the dog to jump over or escape. .
  3. Dog must be walked daily or receive adequate exercise.
  4. Family must comply with all state, local laws and ordinance relating to keeping the dog including the leash laws.
  5. Adoption fee is to help defray the dog's vet bills -- vet exam, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, any other special medical needs/treatment, bath/grooming, and other vet charges.
    The Adoption Fee for adult dogs is $200 (all sizes), plus the veterinary cost incurred at the time of rescue.  In the event that the veterinary cost are over $500.00, COHS, Inc., will consider waiving the $200 adoption fee in lieu of full reimbursement of veterinary services.  
    Family must provide the dog with annual vaccinations and any necessary veterinary care as needed
  6. Adoption from COHS, Inc. is contingent upon a home visit.

Criteria for Adoption:  Puppies

  1. Adoption from COHS, Inc. is contingent upon a home visit.
  2. Someone must be home every 3-4 hours to care for/train the puppy.
  3. Puppy must live indoors in your home.
  4. The Adoption Fee for puppies is $250 plus a spay/neuter deposit, (which may be redeemed via a spay/neuter voucher for Family Pet Hosptial, Stockton, and any additional veterinary cost incurred at the time of rescue.  In the event that the veterinary cost are over $500.00, COHS, Inc., will consider waiving the $250 adoption fee in lieu of full reimbursement of veterinary services.  This would not include the spay/neuter deposit, which would be required.  Is crucial that puppy training classes are attended to aid in socialization skills (and to show the owner how to train the puppy)

Creatures of Heart Sanctuary Dog Adoption Application.

Please fill out all REQUIRED fields.   You may send this via post or vial email to cohspets@gmail.com

Name of Dog Interested In/Breed:

 

Your Name

 

Day Phone:

 

Evening Phone:

 

Address (Street1)

 

(Street2)

 

City,State,Zip

 

Email Address

 

 

  1. How did you hear about Creatures of Heart Sanctuary?

____________________________________________________________________

  1. Why do you want to Adopt a dog?
    ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

  1. What type or breed? ____________________________________________
    Male Female
    Age Range _______________Color __________________________
    Hair Type

    Activity Level
    Type of Activity
    Size
  2. Where would the dog stay during the day??
  3. Do you have an enclosed yard? Yes No
    How Tall is your Fence?
  4. Where will your dog sleep at night?
  5. How long will your dog be alone during the day?
    Where will he/she stay?
  6. Who will be primarily responsible for the dog's care?
  7. Do all members of your household want a dog? Yes No
    If no, please explain:
  8. Do you know that dogs require yearly vaccinations? Yes No
  9. Do you plan to walk your dog everyday? Yes No
    Any special activity?
  10. How are you planning to obedience train your dog?
  11. What will you do if your dog develops behavior problems?
  12. Do you have a vet? Yes No
    If so, may we contact them for reference? Yes No
    Name of Vet:

    Vet Phone:
    Vet Address:
    Vet City: State: Zip:
  13. Do you understand that you will be sharing your life with a dog for 14-18 years, who is totally dependent on you for food, shelter, health, and veterinary care? Are you willing to make this long term commitment to a dog as a family member?
    YES  ___________  NO__________________

FAMILY INFORMATION

  1. How many adults in your household? (including yourself) _________________
    How many children in your household?
    Ages?
  2. Do you have children visiting? Yes No
    If so, how often?
    Ages of children?
  3. If you have pets currently, please list them below:

Type of
Animal

Age

Sex

Spayed/
Neutered

Indoor/
Outdoor

  1. Please list all the animals you have had in the past 5 years that are NOT LISTED ABOVE

Type of
Animal

Age

Sex

Spayed/
Neutered

I=Indoor,
O=Outdoor,
B=Both

What Happened?

  1.  
  2. Do you live in a house/apartment/condo/townhouse/duplex
  3. Do you Rent or Own? ____________________________________
    If renting - Landlord Name:
    If renting - Landlord Phone:
  1. Would you agree to a home visit to ensure that it is secure for the pet?
    Yes, I agree to a home visit.____________________

    No, I do not agree to a home visit._____________________

    ------------------PLEASE READ AND CERTIFY THE FOLLOWING-------
    I certify that all information in this application is true, and I understand that false information may void this application. I agree that upon adopting a pet from Creatures of Heart Sanctuary, Inc., I will accept and abide by their Adoption Agreement, including having my dog spayed or neutered within 30 days if this has not already been accomplished prior to adoption.
    Yes, I certify that the above statement  is true : ___________

//SIGNED//                                                     Date:

Above printed name is equivalent to a valid signature.


Notes/Special Instructions for Creatures of Heart Sanctuary, Inc.