1. I declare that I am over the age of 18 years.
2. I will not chain/cage the animal and I understand that if he/she is found chained/caged, he/she will be removed from my care immediately. I will not use harsh training methods or use any device on my dog that could cause discomfort, fear or pain (eg: choke or check chains, prong collars, shock collars etc.)
3. I take note that it is against SRSA policy to dispose of an animal adopted from SRSA by selling him/her or giving him/her away as a gift to a third party. If I cannot keep the Sighthound, I will return him/her to SRSA.
4. We encourage the training and socialising of adopted puppies and dogs. However, any training method used must be based on positive reinforcement and modern, science-based methods. No training that relies on "rank reduction programs," "wolf-pack theory" or dominance/alpha dog vs submissive dog framing (e.g. the training approach of people like Ceasar Milan) may be used. We will refer you to suitable dog schools/trainers/behaviourists or review any you would like to use to ensure that the trainers and/or behaviourists have appropriate qualifications and make use of acceptable methods.
5. If you adopt a puppy younger than 16 weeks you will be required to attend a puppy socialisation class with your puppy. If no such class is available in your area we will provide you with a socialisation program and set of resources that you can follow on your own.
6. The following equipment may NOT be used on dogs adopted from SRSA: Choke/check chains, prong or spike collars, shock or e-col- lars, citronella collars, halti or head collars, spray bottles. Recommended equipment: H-harness and/or martingale collars specially designed for Sighthounds. Step-in harnesses or flat collars are permitted and can be easy for hounds to slip out of so are not recommended.
7. I will ensure that all inoculations and deworming are kept up to date, that rabies vaccinations are done every three years and, in case of injury or illness, I will provide qualified veterinary care.
8. After adoption, the costs of vaccinations and deworming, as well as any other veterinary costs, become my responsibility.
9. I will notify SRSA immediately should the Sighthound die (in writing and the reason) or go missing.
10. I will not use or allow the Sighthound to be used for hunting or racing.
11. I will notify SRSA of any change of address and contact details.
12. I consent to the compulsory sterilisation of the Sighthound by the SRSA if age-appropriate. If the Sighthound is less than eight months old, I agree to sterilise this Sighthound at 8-12 months of age and to supply veterinarian confirmation of this procedure to SRSA.
13. I will ensure that my Sighthound is properly and adequately fed and housed and sleeps in the house at night.
14. I will make proper boarding arrangements for the Sighthound when I go on holiday.
15. I will permit a representative of SRSA to visit my premises to perform checks on the Sighthound and the conditions in which he/she is kept.
16. I will allow SRSA to repossess the Sighthound without any refund if, in the opinion of SRSA, the terms of this agreement have not been adhered to in spirit and deed.
17. My property is adequately enclosed and at no time shall I knowingly allow my Sighthound to roam the streets.
18. I reserve the right to discuss the content of this agreement with an authorised member of SRSA should there be anything that is unclear.
19. I hereby understand and agree that SRSA makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, about the above-mentioned animal's temperament and is hereby absolved from any liability for future damages or injuries caused by said animal.
20. I also understand and agree that SRSA gives no guarantees, expressed or implied, of the suitability of the animal to the adopter and/or his family or that a puppy will grow up to be a certain size or look a certain way, and I'm happy to move forward with my decision with full knowledge of this.
