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Adoption agency rules???

2K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  Winterose 
#1 ·
Hi guys i was looking at an adoption agency online and their rules for adoption seemed a little intense some of then were

At any time we can come and see how the horse is
At anytime we can take the horse back
You have to tell us if you change barns or property... At every change...
You arnt allowed to sell the horse in the future
You have to tell them when the horse dies of old age... Or any cause....

This just seemed a bit extreme to me! Anyone have thoughts?
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#3 ·
Most of the rescues/adoptions I looked at here in Texas were like that. I understand they are doing what they feel is in the horse's long term best interest, but it likely scares off many worthy, potential adopters.

There were a few rescue horses I initially saw that looked like great 2 or 3 yr old prospects, but I ultimately just couldn't swallow their rules. I can't guarantee a forever home, although that is my hopeful goal. If down the road I decide it wasn't the right horse for me, I would expect to be able to sell it at a price that reflected my additional training; I couldn't simply return an adopted horse back to them with a smile.
 
#4 ·
Hi guys i was looking at an adoption agency online and their rules for adoption seemed a little intense some of then were

At any time we can come and see how the horse is
At anytime we can take the horse back
You have to tell us if you change barns or property... At every change...
You arnt allowed to sell the horse in the future
You have to tell them when the horse dies of old age... Or any cause....

This just seemed a bit extreme to me! Anyone have thoughts?
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That does seem crazy, wonder why they did not ask to have you call them for permission to use the bathroom..........:twisted:

Adoption agencies even for dogs and cats around here are almost as bad, all kinds of forms, rules, etc., never looked into a Horse but I bet they are just as crazy

.
 
#9 ·
I think it depends on the reason. I try to remember that adoption agencies get some really out their people who on a whim filled out an application. When we sell a horse we ask for a vet reference. This is in part to make sure they have a vet and also because the number of "hoarder" type owners we have encountered is high. It also scares a portion of people off.

I also think that most of the time these adoption agencies are running on few donations, lots of volunteer sweat, blood and tears. Which means that for them adopting a horse out can be really hard. So if they know that the horse is well cared for they feel better about it. They also sometimes take in horses in less than ideal condition (skinny, wormy, spoiled) and they hate to see that horse return to a condition that is less than or equal to as bad as the one they took the horse out of.

I also try to remember that sometimes rescue (of any type) is less about saving the animal and more about the people saving themselves. As an example, I heard of a woman who ran a newfoundland dog rescue. She had been raised by a abusive/alcoholic father. She had a New York City basement apartment and had 7 newfies, one of which had paralysis of the back legs. For her, saving those dogs was less about the dogs and more about her saving herself. So, I try not to judge an rescues to harsh. If they are able to care for the animals in their possession well than thats what matters.
 
#10 ·
True but you dont get to just drop in when ever you feel like to check on the horse, wanna make an appt sure, want videos and pics sure, unannounced arrivals absolutely not! And once i own the horse i dont feel like i need to tell you where im keeping the horse past the adoption. Makes me wonder that if i move out of state are they suddenly going to take my horse back because it makes unannounced visits difficult? And i dont like that they think they could take a horse back when ever they feel when i would have been paying for it and caring for it, and then to expect me to continue up-keeping it untill they find a new home, no freaking way!!!
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#11 ·
No, I understand where you are coming from. I just have a friend who adopted a horse out. The horse moved states and she was like thats fine. Well she ended up in the area for a show and was told about this starving horse. Starving horse lo and behold was the one she adopted out. She had a contract and did manage to get the horse back. I think unannounced visits are very close to trespassing. Than again, I have heard about folks who adopt out horses and end up being told the other owner sent the horse to slaughter. Most of them have a contract because they feel it is necessary.

You may not like their contract, which is fine and sometimes I think they go overboard. At the end of the day, they are putting it all on the line. You know going in what brand of crazy you are dealing with and you have the ability to say you don't agree with it.
 
#12 ·
.

I can understand precautions for the 1 out of a 100 who may adopt the Horse for bad reasons or neglect the Horse.

But to make some of those rules also can make it so those other 99 people may not want to adopt from them and find another source.

Sorry, get their permission 5 years down the road becasue I move or cannot afford to keep the Horse due to an emergency loss of income and want to sell it? No way.

Visit anytime they want to?, again no way... A scheduled appointment, maybe during the 1st year, but forever?.... no.

They can take back the Horse at anytime? They better have a Super Good reason, like someone is neglecting the Horse and Animal Control has been called.

My Sister adopted an 18 month old child, even the adoption agencies rules were not as strict as this Horse Place......

.
 
#15 ·
Our county animal shelter is like that for cats/dogs/etc and they make you take a pet care orientation (even if you have adopted before) and if they don't like the collar you bring, they make you buy one from them (collar required to take pet home). We stopped adopting from them and go to the next county.
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#16 · (Edited)
I have a friend who just adopted from Vocations. Well, about 4-5 months ago. They have pretty good adoption rules.

1. Fill out the application.
2. Supply the name of your vet and farrier.
3. Visit of the property (which was actually just sending in some pics, and asking the vet about the place/family/other horses/upkeep).
4. Personal Recomendation
5. After adoption, 3 month check-ups (sending in current pictures, as well as any vet documents that may have incurred).
6. They can reclaim the horse within the first year if they think it is being mistreated.
7. After a year, the horse's papers are handed over, and you are free to do as you wish.

She adopted the horse from Ohio, and had it shipped to Arkansas, unseen. Very risky, but worked out well in the end. They really do want the best for their horses, but then again, they can only afford to turn down so many people who are willing to pay and care for animals that are running them out of money...

When I considered adoption, I was looking at OTRP in Oklahoma, and decided against it based off their crazy rules.

I would look into Vocations if wanting to adopt an OTTB or Standardbred. They are vary reasonable, and it only took about a month for the whole process, mostly because of the shipping issue.
 
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