Adoption Agreement – Terms & Conditions
Thank you for choosing to adopt a dog through Snow Dog Rescue Society. Adoption is one of the most important commitments you can make to a rescue dog, providing them with the stability, safety, and loving home they deserve.
Many of our dogs come from northern and remote communities where they may have lived as free-roaming street dogs or have had limited experience living indoors. As a result, they may require time, patience, consistency, and understanding as they adjust to life as a family companion.
Adoption is a lifelong commitment. By agreeing to adopt a dog from Snow Dog Rescue Society, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions.
1. Adoption & Ownership
Once the adoption has been fully finalized and all required adoption fees and paperwork have been completed, ownership of the dog transfers from Snow Dog Rescue Society to the adopter.
The adopter accepts full responsibility for the dog and agrees to provide appropriate care, supervision, training, veterinary care, and housing for the remainder of the dog's life.
The adopter understands that adoption is a permanent commitment and agrees to act in the best interests of the dog throughout its lifetime.
2. General Care
The adopter agrees to:
Provide a safe, clean, loving, and secure environment.
Treat the dog humanely and as a valued member of the household.
Provide fresh water and nutritious food.
Provide daily exercise and mental enrichment appropriate for the dog's individual needs.
Provide appropriate shelter and protection from extreme weather conditions.
Provide appropriate supervision and care based on the individual needs of the dog.
Provide appropriate grooming and hygiene.
Provide appropriate training and socialization.
Never intentionally neglect, abuse, abandon, or otherwise mistreat the dog.
Provide appropriate veterinary care throughout the dog's lifetime.
3. Understanding Rescue Dogs
The adopter understands that many Snow Dog Rescue Society dogs:
Have lived as free-roaming street dogs.
May have experienced neglect, abandonment, or limited human interaction.
May have never lived inside a home.
May not be fully house trained.
May not understand stairs, windows, mirrors, appliances, televisions, or household routines.
May have little or no leash training.
May be fearful of new people, sounds, vehicles, or unfamiliar environments.
May experience anxiety or separation-related behaviours.
May display behaviours that were not observed while in foster care or during the adoption process.
May require time to build trust, confidence, and a sense of security.
May behave differently as they become comfortable and settled in their new home.
The adopter agrees to use patience, consistency, appropriate supervision, and positive reinforcement while helping the dog adjust to their new home.
4. Training & Behaviour
The adopter agrees to:
Use humane, fair, and appropriate training methods that prioritize the dog's physical and emotional well-being.
Use training methods appropriate for the individual dog's temperament, behaviour, and needs.
Seek appropriate professional assistance when significant behavioural concerns arise.
Contact Snow Dog Rescue Society if significant behavioural concerns develop rather than allowing serious issues to go unaddressed.
Adopters may use reward-based training or balanced training techniques, provided they are knowledgeable, experienced, and confident in their proper application. Any training methods used must be appropriate for the individual dog and must never involve abuse, cruelty, or excessive force.
Physical punishment, abuse, or any training methods intended to cause unnecessary pain, fear, or distress are strictly prohibited.
The adopter understands that accidents, chewing, barking, digging, pacing, counter surfing, food guarding, anxiety, reactivity, separation anxiety, or other adjustment behaviours may occur as the dog settles into the home.
5. Safety & Containment
The adopter understands that rescue dogs may be high flight risks, particularly during the initial adjustment period.
The adopter agrees to:
Exercise extreme caution during the first several weeks after adoption.
Ensure the dog remains securely leashed when outside of a fully enclosed, secure fenced area.
Use a properly fitted collar, harness, or other escape-resistant equipment appropriate for the individual dog.
In unfenced areas, keep the dog on a leash or securely attached long line at all times.
Never allow the dog off leash in an unfenced or unsecured area.
Ensure all doors, gates, and fences remain securely closed and latched before allowing the dog access to outdoor spaces.
Never leave the dog unattended in an unsecured yard.
Exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar dogs during walks or outings.
Closely supervise introductions with household pets and follow appropriate safety precautions.
Take reasonable steps to prevent the dog from escaping or becoming lost.
Immediately notify Snow Dog Rescue Society if the dog escapes or goes missing.
The adopter understands that additional safety measures may be necessary depending on the individual dog's behaviour, prey drive, anxiety, flight risk, or history.
6. Veterinary Care
Effective as of the adoption date, all veterinary care and veterinary expenses become the sole responsibility of the adopter.
Snow Dog Rescue Society will provide all available veterinary records at the time of adoption.
The adopter agrees to:
Establish veterinary care for the dog.
Maintain appropriate routine veterinary care throughout the dog's lifetime.
Keep vaccinations and preventative care current as recommended by their veterinarian.
Seek veterinary care when the dog is sick, injured, or otherwise requires medical attention.
Follow veterinary recommendations regarding treatment, medication, nutrition, and preventative care.
Assume responsibility for all veterinary expenses incurred after the adoption has been finalized.
Veterinary expenses may include, but are not limited to:
Routine examinations.
Vaccinations.
Flea, tick, and parasite prevention.
Deworming.
Medications.
Diagnostic testing.
Emergency treatment.
Surgery.
Dental care.
Treatment of injuries or illness.
Specialist or referral care.
Snow Dog Rescue Society cannot guarantee the future health, medical condition, or lifespan of any adopted dog.
Any known medical conditions or health concerns disclosed prior to adoption will be provided to the adopter to the best of Snow Dog Rescue Society's knowledge.
The adopter understands that unknown or previously undiagnosed health conditions may arise after adoption and that these conditions become the responsibility of the adopter.
7. Spay & Neuter Requirements
If the dog has not been spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, the adopter agrees to comply with all applicable Snow Dog Rescue Society spay/neuter requirements.
The adopter agrees:
The dog will not be intentionally bred.
The dog will not be intentionally allowed to reproduce.
The required spay or neuter procedure will be completed within the timeframe specified by Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Proof of completion will be provided to Snow Dog Rescue Society when requested.
All applicable spay/neuter requirements remain binding after ownership has transferred to the adopter.
Additional requirements may be outlined in a separate Spay & Neuter Addendum, which forms part of the adoption agreement.
8. Diet & Nutrition
The adopter agrees to provide the dog with an appropriate and nutritious diet suitable for the dog's individual needs.
The adopter understands that some dogs may have specific dietary requirements, food sensitivities, allergies, or nutritional needs.
Any known dietary concerns will be disclosed to the adopter to the best of Snow Dog Rescue Society's knowledge.
The adopter agrees to:
Provide an appropriate diet based on the dog's age, size, activity level, and health.
Make significant dietary changes gradually.
Monitor the dog for signs of food intolerance, allergy, or illness.
Seek veterinary guidance when appropriate.
Follow dietary recommendations provided by the dog's veterinarian.
9. Communication
Snow Dog Rescue Society encourages adopters to maintain communication with the rescue, particularly during the dog's initial adjustment period.
The adopter agrees to:
Provide reasonable updates when requested.
Communicate significant health or behavioural concerns.
Notify Snow Dog Rescue Society if the dog becomes lost or escapes.
Notify Snow Dog Rescue Society if a serious incident involving the dog occurs.
Seek guidance from Snow Dog Rescue Society when significant adjustment or behavioural concerns arise.
Snow Dog Rescue Society remains available as a resource and encourages adopters to contact the rescue before significant problems escalate.
10. Restrictions
The adopter agrees that they will not:
Abuse, neglect, abandon, or intentionally mistreat the dog.
Use the dog for fighting or any illegal purpose.
Intentionally breed the dog.
Allow the dog to roam freely in an unsafe or uncontrolled environment.
Sell, give away, or independently rehome the dog without first contacting Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Surrender the dog to another rescue, shelter, pound, or animal control facility without first contacting Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Transfer ownership of the dog without first contacting Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Use the dog for guarding, fighting, or any illegal purpose.
Represent themselves as an employee, director, volunteer, or authorized representative of Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Make material representations about the dog on behalf of Snow Dog Rescue Society.
11. Rehoming & Return to Rescue
Snow Dog Rescue Society understands that circumstances can change and that, in some situations, an adopter may no longer be able to care for their dog.
If the adopter can no longer keep the dog, they agree to notify Snow Dog Rescue Society as soon as possible.
The adopter agrees to give Snow Dog Rescue Society the opportunity to assist with or coordinate the dog's return or placement.
The adopter will not:
Give the dog to another individual without first contacting Snow Dog Rescue Society.
Sell or transfer the dog.
Rehome the dog independently.
Surrender the dog to another rescue.
Surrender the dog to a shelter, pound, or animal control facility.
All dogs being returned to Snow Dog Rescue Society must be returned directly to the rescue or to a location designated by Snow Dog Rescue Society.
If the adopter is no longer able to continue caring for the dog, they understand that Snow Dog Rescue Society may require reasonable time and patience to locate and arrange an appropriate foster or alternative placement.
The adopter agrees to continue providing safe and appropriate care for the dog during this transition period, unless doing so would create an immediate safety concern for the dog, the adopter, household members, or other animals.
Snow Dog Rescue Society will make reasonable efforts to arrange a suitable foster placement or alternative home as soon as possible. However, the adopter understands that an appropriate placement may not be immediately available and that the timing of a transition may depend on the availability of an approved foster or adoptive home.
Returning a dog to Snow Dog Rescue Society does not automatically entitle the adopter to a refund of the adoption donation.
12. Travel & Change of Circumstances
The adopter agrees to ensure that the dog remains safely housed and cared for if their circumstances change.
The adopter agrees to:
Obtain any documentation required for travel with the dog.
Comply with applicable transportation requirements.
Ensure the dog is safely secured during transportation.
Notify Snow Dog Rescue Society if there is a significant change in circumstances that may affect the dog's care or safety.
13. Liability & Responsibility
The adopter acknowledges that rescue dogs often come from unknown or limited backgrounds and that their medical history, temperament, behaviour, and previous experiences may be incomplete or unavailable.
Because many of our dogs have lived as free-roaming street dogs or have had little to no experience living in a home, they may display fearful, reactive, unpredictable, or otherwise challenging behaviours while adjusting.
By agreeing to adopt a dog from Snow Dog Rescue Society, the adopter acknowledges and assumes responsibility for the risks associated with owning, caring for, handling, transporting, and possessing the dog, including but not limited to:
Personal injury to themselves, members of their household, visitors, or other individuals.
Injury to other animals.
Damage to personal property or the property of others.
Veterinary expenses resulting from incidents involving their own pets.
Costs associated with property damage, escape, or recovery of the dog.
The adopter agrees to exercise reasonable care, supervision, and caution at all times.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the adopter agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Snow Dog Rescue Society, its directors, officers, volunteers, members, representatives, and foster homes from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, expenses, or legal actions arising out of or relating to the ownership, care, handling, transportation, or possession of the adopted dog, including claims involving personal injury, death, property damage, or injury to other animals, except where caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Snow Dog Rescue Society.
14. Adoption Donation
The adopter understands that the adoption donation helps Snow Dog Rescue Society continue rescuing, transporting, housing, feeding, and providing veterinary care to dogs in need.
The adoption donation is not considered a purchase price for the dog.
Except where otherwise required by law or expressly agreed to by Snow Dog Rescue Society, adoption donations are non-refundable after 48 hours following the completion of the adoption.
Returning a dog to Snow Dog Rescue Society does not automatically entitle the adopter to a refund of the adoption donation.
15. Adoption Records & Microchip
Snow Dog Rescue Society will provide the adopter with all available veterinary records and applicable adoption documentation at the time of adoption.
The adopter agrees to:
Ensure the dog's microchip is registered or transferred into their name.
Keep the microchip information current.
Update their contact information if their phone number, email address, or address changes.
Maintain appropriate identification on the dog.
The adopter understands that maintaining current microchip information is an important part of ensuring the dog can be safely returned if lost.
16. Best Interests of the Dog
The adopter agrees that decisions regarding the dog's health, safety, training, nutrition, environment, socialization, and general care will be made with the dog's welfare as a primary consideration.
The adopter agrees to seek appropriate veterinary, behavioural, or professional assistance when necessary.
The adopter understands that Snow Dog Rescue Society remains available as a resource and encourages adopters to contact the rescue when significant concerns arise.
17. Acknowledgement & Agreement
By completing and digitally signing the Snow Dog Rescue Society Adoption Contract, the adopter confirms that they:
Have read and understood all terms and conditions contained in this Adoption Agreement.
Have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the adoption and the dog's known history, health, and behaviour.
Have received or been offered all available veterinary and relevant adoption records.
Agree to provide appropriate lifelong care for the dog.
Agree to comply with all applicable spay/neuter requirements.
Agree to assume responsibility for all veterinary care and expenses effective as of the adoption date.
Agree to contact Snow Dog Rescue Society if they can no longer safely or appropriately care for the dog.
Confirm that the information provided by them in connection with the adoption is accurate and complete.
Agree to abide by all terms and conditions contained in this Adoption Agreement and any applicable addenda.
The Snow Dog Rescue Society Adoption Contract is completed and signed digitally. The completed contract, along with available veterinary records and microchip information, will be provided to the adopter following completion of the adoption process.
The microchip will be transferred based on the contact information provided in the adoption contract.
Thank you for choosing to adopt through Snow Dog Rescue Society. By opening your home to a rescue dog, you are giving them the stability, safety, and love they deserve. Your commitment allows us to continue helping dogs from northern and remote communities find the forever homes they have been waiting for.