1. The outside area where the pet will be kept must be securely and entirely fenced and the gate to this area to be always kept closed and preferably locked (the pet should be supervised when the gate is open).

2. The walls and/or fence are to be of such a height that the dog cannot scale or jump over.

3. In the case of puppies, old dogs, partially sighted/blind dogs, the swimming pool must be completely and securely fenced (enclosed) to prevent the dog entering it. In the case of healthy, adult dogs, the animal is to be taken into the pool and shown where the steps are, so that he knows who to get out should he fall in.

4. The pet may not be chained under any circumstances or be abused either physically or psychologically.

5. An ID disc is to be immediately attached to the pet’s collar indicating its name and telephone number, together with the TEARS tag given to you when you adopt an animal.

6. A TEARS dog may not have its tail docked, ears cropped or be debarked. Cats may not be de-clawed. No mutilation of any kind is permitted.

7. The animal will be kept as a household pet and become a member of your family; it is to sleep inside your home or in a suitable sheltered environment; receive regular and adequate exercise; be kept free of fleas, ticks and worms and to be in a healthy condition. If it should become sick, it is to be taken to a registered veterinary surgeon.

8. The pet is to be kept safe and secure during such times when it may be subjected to stress (Guy Fawkes, New Year’s Eve, etc).

9. Should the pet become lost, TEARS must be advised immediately. Appropriate action is to be taken to recover the pet.

10. The adoption fee includes the cost of sterilisation and microchipping. All our adult dogs available for adoption have already been sterilised. However, young puppies have not and must be brought back to TEARS to be sterilised when six months old.

11. If the pet displays any sign of illness requiring veterinary attention for a pre-existing condition within the first seven days after adoption, the animal may be returned to TEARS for free veterinary treatment.

12. If the owner elects to use his own private veterinarian for the animal’s sterilisation (#10) or treatment within the seven day window period (#11), TEARS will not refund any costs incurred.

13. TEARS is not responsible for any veterinary fees of whatever nature once the seven day window period (#11) has expired.

14. TEARS is not responsible for any fees whatsoever which may be inflicted by any of our animals available for adoption, either when viewing them or after adoption.

15. TEARS reserves the right to conduct follow-up visits to the adoptive home to ensure compliance with the Conditions of Adoption. Should TEARS find during any follow-up visits that one or more of these conditions are not adhered to, the new owner will return the pet to us and payment made in respect of the animal will not be refunded.

16. The adoption fee may be refunded for any pet which is returned within fourteen days from the date of adoption, after assessment.

17. TEARS is to be informed of any change of address of our adopted animals.

18. Should the new owner be unable to keep the adopted pet for any reason, ownership automatically reverts to TEARS and the animal must be immediately returned to us. However, should this unhappy situation arise, it would be very much appreciated if the owner would endeavour to find a suitable new home for the animal, which, of course, must be approved by TEARS.

19. Please remember, if the pet is not the correct one for you, TEARS will welcome back the animal at any time and it will not be put down. We will then re-home the animal at our own discretion.