What is a Horse Adoption Contract?
When you adopt a horse from a rescue, many establishments will require you to participate in an adoption contract. These contracts outline what can be done with the horse. There is a myth circulating the community that rescues never enforce their contracts. However, this is not always true.
Contrary to popular belief, these adoption contracts are not useless. They’re not like the terms of agreement on many computer software packages that most people don’t read. If you are adopting a horse from a rescue, you are going to want to read the adoption contract thoroughly. Make sure that you understand everything that is expected of you as the horse’s new owner. In short, the purpose of the adoption contract is to ensure that the horse goes to a good home.
The fact of the matter is, most rescues follow up on their contracts. Even if the horse was not at the rescue for a long period of time, chances are rescue volunteers and owners are going start emotionally caring for the horse. Of course, this is not the only reason why a rescue might want to check up on an adopted horse. Rescue personnel perform follow-up visits not only to see that the horses are cared for, but also to make sure that the adoptive owners are happy with the arrangement.
Rescues exist only to help animals in need and they are going to want to know that the horse that they rehabilitated or trained is doing well outside of the rescue. If someone violates the terms of an adoption contract, they may lose the horse and be liable to the rescue for the cost of enforcing that contract. For more information on adoption contracts, contact your local horse rescue.
