ADOPTION POLICY

POLICY:

The adoption policy of The Hooved Animal Sanctuary Inc. [hereinafter referred to a HAS] is designed to help ensure that all equines in the care of HAS are placed in suitable homes. The adopter of the equine must be t least 18 years of age with no criminal history of animal abuse or neglect. 

Interested Adopter must complete and submit a Hooved Animal Sanctuary Adoption Application Package.

             1. Adoption Application [attachment A]

              2. Reference Letters from:

                   a] A licensed Equine Veterinarian [DMV}. If the applicant has an equine veterinarian they are currently using, we require a letter from that veterinarian stating that the potential applicant is a suitable guardian. If the potential applicant does not have an equine veterinarian, they must obtain a letter from a licensed equine veterinarian stating that they will be working with the applicant overseeing the care of the equine to be adopted.  [attachment B]

                   b] An Equine Professional, such as a farrier, equine trainer, riding instructor, stable manager, breeder, etc.  [attachment C]

The approval process begins upon receipt of the Adoption Application, including any necessary fees. The application will be reviewed to verify that the applicant meets the requirements of the organization and the references submitted will be verified, along with a background check.

 After review and verification a volunteer inspector will be assigned to conduct the onsite inspection of the property where the equine is to be kept.  The inspector will verify that the animals of the property are properly cared for and the property is safe and adequate for the equine to be adopted.

After the equine inspection has been successfully completed the applicant will be notified that they are approved to adopt.

Once an adopter makes a request to adopt the equine, a HAS Equine Manager will review the adopter’s capabilities and needs [both facilities and equine experience] to see whether there are any obvious reasons why the equine requested appears not to be a good match for the adopter. If the match appears to be suitable, the adopter will have first priority on the requested equine. Subsequent approved adopters who request to adopt the same equine will be placed on a waiting list.

HAS will provide a complete Health Record which will list any special medical conditions, vaccinations, farrier and worming schedules, and current diet.

*NOTE: While HAS tries to evaluate each equine as best as possible, HAS cannot make a final recommendation on the suitability of an equine for any particular purpose. HAS highly recommends the adopter have a veterinarian evaluate any equine they wish to adopt. If adopting for a particular event, HAS also suggest a trainer or instructor meet the equine. 

PASTURE: 

A minimum of half acre pasture per equine on the property. Exceptions may be made in those cases where the equine will be maintained at a boarding facility provided the equine, if stalled, is provided daily turn –out of an adequate time and space or daily exercise. Space and provisions for exercise shall be appropriate for the age and condition and size of the equine.

SHELTER:

 A recommended 12x12 foot stall per standard size equine in barn with turnout or pasture: or a three-sided run-in shed with a recommended 12x12 feet per equine in a pasture. Equines shall be provided with shelter that provides protection form extreme weather including but not limited to: prevailing wind, snow, sleet, rain, sun, and temperature extremes. Stalls and shelters shall be constructed to provide sufficient space for each equine to turn around, lie down, and move freely and to allow free air flow. All shelters shall be kept in good repair and free from standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris.  

Bedding should be clean, dry and dust free,

FENCE:

Fencing shall be of solid construction, without sharp edged and visible to equines,

Wood, vinyl, electric or smooth wire is acceptable.

No barbed or goat wire unless electric is run on inside.

WATER:

Water must be available to animals at all times in all weather conditions.

Clean and fresh water from spring fed ponds, running brooks or trough/buckets are acceptable provided the equine has easy access to the water source.

Water must be clean and drinkable at all times, in cold weather water must remain unfrozen at all times.

FEED and STORAGE:

Equines shall receive at a minimum of 3% of their body weight per day in high quality forage and grain. Diet shall be planned with consideration for the age and condition, size, and activity level of the equine.  If more that one animal is fed at the same place and time, it shall be the responsibility of the adopter to ensure that each equine receives nutrition in sufficient quantity. Individual feed buckets should be provided for each equine.

Hay must be clean and free from dust, mold and weeds.

Grain must be clean and free from mold, dust, rodents and insect.

Stored feed shall be kept in such a manner that equines cannot gain access to it.

WORMING, SHOTS:

Worming shall be done every 4 months

Suggested wormers—Ivermectin and Panacur in a rotation schedule are recommended.

Shots—Tetanus required

Veterinarian will advise of others necessary in your area.

HOOF CARE:

Trimming or shoeing every 6-8 weeks minimum by a certified farrier.

The HOOVED ANIMAL SANCTUARY retains sole ownership of animals.

ADOPTER will take GUARDIANSHIP of animal.

 Said animal can not be sold, traded, or given away unless HAS is notified and agrees on the arraignment.

In the case of an adoptive owner no longer being able to care for animal, the ADOPTER is required to notify HAS and is required to deliver the animal back to HAS at the expense of the ADOPTER.

HAS retains the right to inspect animals at any time without notice. If HAS finds the ADOPTER in neglect of any of the agreement, the Organization has the authority to remove said animal from the property.

The ADOPTER must notify HAS if the animal is to be moved from the original address.

Upon agreement to adopt an equine, the adopter takes full responsibility for all the maintenance cost of the equine including boarding fees, grain, hay, wormer, farrier, and other usual and customary cost including veterinarian expenses once in their care.

HUMANE EUTHANASIA:

Only a Licensed veterinarian may administer euthanasia, except in as extreme emergency when a veterinarian is not available. A veterinarian shall examine the carcass to verify, in writing, such immediate need. Carcass shall be disposed of in compliance with all relevant law. The adopter shall immediately notify HAS of such euthanasia and provide a veterinary statement and record of the euthanasia.