Adoption Policies

1. Under no circumstances will the animal be off lead except when indoors or in a fenced or otherwise contained area. The adopter will treat the animal as a family pet, giving it loving care and attention and will provide food at least once a day and a continuous supply of fresh water.
2. The animal shall not be subjected to any form of cosmetic/optional surgery or alteration including, but not limited to, ear cropping, tail docking, etc., unless deemed medically necessary.
3. The animal is an indoor pet and will live inside the adopter's house. This animal will NOT be allowed to roam outside and will be supervised on and off a leash when not contained by fence or other barrier. The adopter will walk this animal on a leash or exercise this animal in a secure or fully fenced yard or other protected area.
4. The animal will be properly transported by crate or inside a vehicle when necessary and will not be allowed to ride (leashed or not) in the open bed of a pickup truck.
5. It is recommended that the adopter take the animal to a licensed veterinarian within 1 week after adoption. The adopter will provide annual veterinary care including all necessary care (worming, etc.) and shots (rabies, distemper, etc.). Dogs will be kept on heartworm preventative on a continual monthly basis as directed by a vet.  The adopter is ethically and financially responsible for all future medical expenses associated with the animal and will provide for him/her accordingly.
6. The adopter will ensure proper licensing of the animal in accordance with local laws. The adopter will also ensure that the licensing tag is attached to the animal's collar in addition to the rabies and identification information that is also required for the animal's collar.
7. HSCC, or any authorized individual acting on its behalf, may reserve the right to make inquiry about the animal at any reasonable time. If we have reason to believe the animal is not being cared for in a manner wholly consistent with the above representations and/or the representations made by Adopter on the application submitted, HSCC may, if needed, report this to the proper animal control authorities for the purposes of an examination or inquiry regarding the animal's well being and/or for the purpose of reclaiming the animal. Under State of Maryland Code, animal cruelty is defined as a person who, having the charge or custody of an animal, either as owner or otherwise, inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon the animal, or unnecessarily fails to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter or protection from the weather and is punishable by a fine of $5,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment.
8. The adopter assumes all financial responsibility effective at the time of adoption.
9. The adopter is adopting the animal for him/herself and will NOT sell, trade, or give away the animal.
10. The adopter agrees to permit the Humane Society of Calvert County (HSCC) to examine the above conditions and requirements after the adoption. This includes a visit to the adopter's home as well as contacting the adopter's veterinarian.
11. The adopter agrees to accept possession and ownership of the animal at their own risk, and the adopter will release the HSCC from any and all liability arising out of the possession and ownership of the animal. The HSCC makes no guaranteed representations concerning the health, disposition or condition of the animal involved, and while the HSCC is willing to accept return of this animal, the HSCC is not to be held responsible for any veterinary expenses or damages incurred while this animal is in the adopter's possession. The adopter further understands that the first 6-8 weeks is a transition period for the animal and may require additional supervision.
12. If at any time the adopter can no longer care for the animal, THEY MUST immediately contact the HSCC.  Any animal with a bite or aggression history must be evaluated by a licensed trainer before being accepted back, and at the discretion of HSCC.  Any animals coming back to HSCC, must be up to date on all vaccinations and returned by the owner(s) who signed the contract.  Adopter understands that they are not to give away nor take this animal to any other shelter or rescue.
13. Cats will be kept exclusively as indoor pets. HSCC is opposed to declawing of cats.
14. HSCC requests a donation of $130 for cats, $200.00 for dogs and $250.00 for puppies, to cover veterinary and other expenses involved in the rescue and placement of animals.