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As a breeder of FCR`s and Aussies, none of my pups ever go out the door without a contract.

I will do phone and/or in person interviews as well as giving out a questionnaire to my perspective buyers.

I want to know that the people purchasing one of my pups at least knows the breed and what it`s needs are, and can meet them.

This goes for either Pet quality or Show quality pups I sell.

And yes, be it either one, the buyer will always be told that either I will call on a regular basis or they should phone.

If the owner can not meet the obligation that the pup requires, I have right of first refusal, meaning that the dog comes back to me to be placed in another home.

Good Luck

The contract is enforceable - and our rescue has actually enforced contracts twice - but we have a member who is an attorney. However, this is very different from what you say - you are talking about a shelter, not a breed rescue (which is what we are) that has no room at the moment and expects you to board the dog even though you have found a good home for it - that's ridiculous. Explain to the shelter exactly what your situation is --- go there if you can and lay it on the line. If possible, take the person who wants the dog with you to verify that the dog will be taken care of. If the shelter manager has an ounce of brains, she/he will understand and let this be. Failing that, give the dog to the person who will provide a good home and just don't tell the shelter. If they are so determined to enforce their contract, they need to make arrangements to take the dog now since you cannot care for it. You've lost your house, you haven't changed your mind casually. I cannot think of any shelter that would be so callous as to sue you over this - and what if they do? Not much they can do and it will cost them to take legal action. If you end up in court, you take the dog back and state that the people were just keeping the dog for you until your situation improves - not an unreasonable supposition. Just keep some record that you tried to do the right thing, what your options were, and the fact that the shelter would not help you. I'm sorry for your difficulties, even sorrier for the poor dog, but at least you are placing her in a good home - certianly preferably to a public shelter, where the dog's chances of being adopted again are not good because of the overcrowding and terrible economy. I have taken in 3 dogs in the last 6 months because people lost their homes to foreclosure, adoptions are not fast enough to make up for that, so give your dog up to a good home if you have managed to find one - it's her best chance.

I am actually a dog purchaser and I signed one, and happily so! I think contracts weed out those people who will provide a better home for the dog and those that will not. Not to mention it is the responsible thing to do for the dog. I got my dog from a rescue, and it was clear on things such as the dog being an indoor dog, (not keeping them tied outside all the time) having a yard, a fence, proper, shade, proper food, etc. They asked me where she would sleep and that I would provide medical care when/if needed, important information such as that. The contract also stated that if I couldn't handle the dog for some reason I was required to return the dog to the rescue. If you go to a rescue site, I got my rescue from the ABA, you will find an example of what that type of contract looks like. Best of luck!

I don't breed dogs. I did sign an adoption contract for both of my dogs that I adopted from the pound. It just stated that I will submit proof of vet care and neutering to the pound and also that if I should need to return the animal, it must be returned to the same place.

I have a contract that new puppy parents have to sign and do, for example within 24-48 of receiving the puppy they have to take the puppy to vet for an examination, so the health guarantee can be enabled.

Aldo if for some reason they cannot take the puppy they shall bring the puppy back, but if the family is out of state than the puppy will be shipped back to me at my expense

the rescue group i work with has a 4 page contract that the new owner must read, agree with, and sign before they can take their new dog home. they also must have had a home visit and references checked prior to even being approved for adoption. and yes, when i adopted from them, even while being a foster mom, i had to go through the same process.

that would be a SALES contract.. NOT an ADOPTION contract...

I find it disgusting when people (other than non-profit shelters) use the term "Adopting".. these dogs are bought and sold.. they are not adopted...

I personally dont breed dogs.. I do sell horses, and have sales contracts... but to be fair most sales contracts will not hold up in a court of law..

I have a contract and they must also be willing to undergo some scrutiny. I am willing to be questioned, provide references and undergo scrutiny from potential buyers.