1 

Health and Welfare

I accept that, to the best of JRD’s knowledge, the Dog was in good health at the time of homing. If any health conditions were known, I acknowledge that JRD has informed me either in writing above or verbally. I confirm that I understand these conditions, accept responsibility for them, and will provide the necessary care and support for the Dog.

2

Liability

JRD shall not be liable for any injury to persons or damage to property or other animals caused by the Dog after they have been taken into my possession. If any such incident occurs as a result of my negligence, JRD reserves the right to reclaim the Dog immediately.

3

Rehoming

I shall not transfer, sell, or give away possession of the Dog. If I am no longer able to care for the Dog or if rehoming becomes necessary, I must return the Dog to JRD.

4

Notifications to JRD

4.1.    If the Dog becomes lost or stolen, I will inform JRD as soon as possible after becoming aware of the incident.
4.2.    I will notify JRD in writing of any change of address. For clarity, JRD permits the Dog to relocate off-island with the adopter(s) named below.
4.3.    If more than one person is listed as the Dog’s owner in this agreement and one of them ceases to share ownership, I will inform JRD in writing.

5

Identification and Licensing

I will ensure that the Dog wears a collar with an identity disc at all times. I will also obtain the relevant dog licence required in the jurisdiction in which I live. I understand, and will ensure continued understanding of, the laws relating to dog ownership in any country where the Dog resides or travels, whether with me or with anyone I have entrusted the Dog to. I acknowledge that these are legal requirements.

6

Living Conditions

The Dog will be kept indoors as a family companion and will not be housed or left outdoors for extended periods.

7

Behaviours 

7.1.    I understand that the Dog is a living animal and may exhibit a range of behaviours throughout their life in response to different situations.

7.2.    I will not punish the Dog for displaying natural behaviours, including but not limited to barking, growling, jumping, chewing, or toileting indoors.

7.3.    I will use positive reinforcement training methods to discourage behaviours I do not wish to encourage (see conditions 11 and 12).

7.4.    I acknowledge that any dog may mouth, nip, tag, or bite. This does not mean the Dog is ‘bad’; rather, such behaviour may result from fear, stress, or illness. If needed, I will seek appropriate support, including contacting JRD.

7.5.    I will not punish the Dog for growling or displaying other warning signals, as these are important forms of communication.

7.6.    I have learnt about and understand the 3/3/3 rule, Trigger Stacking, general principles of responsible dog ownership, and common warning signs dogs may exhibit. I acknowledge that JRD is available for advice and support regarding responsible dog care.

8

Veterinary Care

8.1.    I will ensure that the Dog remains in good health by providing appropriate care, including necessary veterinary treatment, regular parasite control, and up-to-date annual vaccinations or homeopathic nosodes. I also grant JRD permission to inspect the Dog’s veterinary records if required.

8.2.   I will notify JRD of any serious medical or behavioural issues that arise.

8.3.    I will not euthanise the Dog unless they have reached the end of their life and euthanasia has been recommended by a veterinary surgeon. If the Dog has a treatable medical condition or euthanasia is being considered for behavioural reasons, I will consult JRD before making a final decision.

9

Pet Insurance

9.1.    I acknowledge that JRD has recommended taking out pet insurance to cover the Dog named in this agreement.

9.2.    If I choose not to obtain pet insurance, I accept full responsibility for all veterinary costs incurred.

9.3.    I understand that pet insurance may not cover all medical expenses, and I agree to cover any additional costs that are not included in the policy.

10

Breeding, Neutering and Financial Gain

10.1.    I will not breed the Dog or use them for any form of financial gain.

10.2.    If the Dog has not been neutered, I will ensure that neutering is carried out in accordance with veterinary advice. JRD will cover the cost of neutering, which must be performed by a vet of their choice.

11

Training

11.1.    I will not use any aversive training techniques on the Dog.

11.2.    I understand that JRD strictly prohibits the use of aversive training methods, including but not limited to e-collars, shock collars, corrector sprays, or high-pitched sound devices such as ‘no bark trainers.’

11.3.    I will only use positive reinforcement training techniques with the Dog. If I leave the Dog in the care of others, I will ensure they also adhere to this requirement.

12

Dog and Animal Professionals

12.1.    I will only use dog and animal professionals recommended by JRD and will consult JRD before engaging their services. This includes, but is not limited to, trainers, behaviourists, groomers, dog walkers, daycare providers, dog sitters, and kennels.

12.2.    If I use family or friends for any of the above services, I will ensure they comply with the conditions outlined in this agreement.

12.3.    JRD will be available at any time during the Dog’s life to provide guidance on selecting appropriate dog or animal professionals.

13

Diet and Feeding

13.1.    I will maintain the Dog at a healthy weight and will not allow them to become overweight or underweight, except in cases where a veterinary surgeon confirms a medical or age-related reason.

13.2.    I will provide the Dog with a complete, nutritionally balanced diet.

13.3.    I will not feed the Dog rawhide or any other commercially available foods known to pose a risk of illness.

13.4.    I understand and have researched which human foods are toxic to dogs, and I will ensure the Dog does not consume these items.

13.5.    If the Dog accidentally ingests a potentially poisonous substance, I will seek immediate veterinary care.

14

Grooming and Nail Care

14.1.    If the Dog’s coat type requires grooming, I will ensure this is carried out as recommended by a qualified groomer (see condition 12).

14.2.    I will not allow the Dog’s coat to become knotted or matted. If I notice any knots or matting, I will ensure appropriate grooming care is provided promptly.

14.3.    I will maintain the Dog’s nails at an appropriate length and will not allow them to become overgrown, except where a veterinary or behavioural reason (e.g., age or stress) prevents trimming.

15

Harnesses, Collars and Leads

15.1.    I will ensure that any harnesses, collars, or leads used for the Dog are in good condition and safe for use.

15.2.    I will only use Y-shaped harnesses and will not use straight-front or ‘no-pull’ harnesses, as these can cause muscle damage to the Dog.

15.3.    I will only use properly fitted collars. If using a martingale collar, I will ensure it is the correct size and fitted appropriately. I will not use choke chains or slip collars.

15.4.    If the Dog is a brachycephalic breed, I will only use a harness that does not put pressure on the neck and will not walk the Dog using a collar.

15.5.    If I use a slip lead, I will ensure that I understand its correct use and apply it safely and appropriately.

16

Off Lead

16.1.    I will never walk or allow the Dog to be off-lead in areas with passing traffic.

16.2.    I will not allow the Dog to be off-lead in unsecured spaces until it has demonstrated reliable recall.

16.3.    I understand that recall can be influenced by environmental factors, and the Dog may never be suitable for off-lead exercise in some or all unsecured spaces.

17

Retractable Leads and Long Lines

17.1.    I will not use a retractable lead or longline attached to the Dog’s collar.

17.2.    If I use a retractable lead or longline, I will ensure it is attached to a properly fitted harness.

17.3.    I will never use a retractable lead or longline when walking on roads. These leads will only be used in off-road environments such as fields, beaches, or woods. When walking to these locations, I will use a standard lead.

18

Cars, Other Vehicles and Transport

18.1.    This condition applies to all forms of transport the Dog may travel in, including cars, vans, bikes, and other vehicles.

18.2.    When transporting the Dog in any vehicle, I will ensure they are secured safely and appropriately.

18.3.    If using a dog seat belt or lead secured to a headrest or other fixed point, I will attach it only to a properly fitted harness and never to a collar.

18.4.    I will not allow the Dog to extend their head or body outside an open window of a moving vehicle at any time.

18.5.    I will not allow the Dog to run alongside any moving vehicle or form of transport.

19

Ball Throwing and Flingers

19.1.    I will not use a ball launcher or flinger when playing with the Dog.

19.2.    If I engage in ball throwing with the Dog, I will ensure the ball is thrown at a safe, low level and not at high speed. I will limit this activity to intervals of no more than 10 minutes, with appropriate rest periods, and will only engage in it occasionally.

20

Media Usage

I agree that any photographs of the Dog that I send to JRD may be used by JRD for promotional purposes, including but not limited to, social media platforms such as Facebook and the JRD website.

Note: If photographs include children, JRD will carefully assess their suitability before use. However, I acknowledge my responsibility to consider this before submitting any images.

21

Donation and Adoption Costs

21.1.    Donations towards adoption costs are non-refundable.

21.2.    A minimum donation of £400 is required.

21.3.    This donation is not a payment for the Dog but a contribution to support JRD in rescuing and caring for more dogs in need.

22

Future Contact

22.1    I accept that JRD will maintain contact to follow up on the Dog’s welfare and that I will provide updates when requested. If JRD has cause for concern, hey reserve the right to inspect the Dog at any reasonable time, with or without prior notice.

22.2    I agree that JRD may contact me in the future if best practices for dog ownership change, particularly where those changes differ from the conditions set out in this agreement, to discuss and advise on any necessary updates during the Dog’s lifetime.

23

Breach of Agreement

I agree that JRD is authorised to reclaim possession of the Dog if:
i)    One month after the official adoption, the necessary requirements outlined in this agreement have not been met, or
ii)    At any point in the future, any of the conditions in this agreement are breached in any way.