Writing a thorough adoption contract protects the horses adopted from your organization.
Horses are large animals that need plenty of space and experienced care, especially if the horse has been abused. An adoption contract should not only ensure that the new owners know what they are getting into, but also should have specific rules regarding care of the horses once the horses transfer to adopters. By understanding the basic requirements of an equine adoption contract, you can develop a contract that will ensure the horse is adopted into the best possible environment.
Instructions
1. Request detailed information on the potential adopter in the adoption contract so that you can conduct a background check on the adopter. Include a section in the contract that requests the adopter's name, date of birth, Social Security number, permanent address, driver's license number and current work address.
2. Include a section in your contract requiring an examination of the location where the adopted horse will be kept. It is not uncommon to include a clause in the equine adoption contract allowing the adopter to conduct regular checks of the facility or location even after the horse has been adopted. Consider adding a requirement allowing your organization to check on the horse frequently, especially during the first two years of the adoption.
3. Require veterinary references, and detail specific veterinary requirements for the adopter of the horse.This is a good section of the contract to also request specific information on the potential adopter's experience with horses. Request the names of veterinarians that have worked with the horses of the adopter, and ask for verification that the adopter cares for his animals properly.
4. Decide what kind of breeding restrictions you want included in the equine adoption contract. Because adopting agencies know there are already too many unwanted animals, most contracts have restrictions or bans on breeding adopted horses. For example, some organizations will allow some breeding, but not allow breeding to another horse adopted from the organization.
5. Include a section requiring adopters to return the horse to your organization if the adoption doesn't work out. Prohibit selling the animal to another party without permission from the organization in order to prevent animal flippers from using adopted horses to make a profit. Make sure the organization is involved in any transfer of the horse to another adopter to ensure your standards are followed.
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