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We require the full adoption donation upon pickup to begin the trial of the dog you are interested in. If you decide not to adopt and return the dog within the 7-day period (for eligible dogs), the fee will be refunded in full.

If the dog is not yet available, we require a $200 hold that will be applied toward the total adoption donation at pickup. This hold is refunded if you return the dog, but is forfeited if you do not show up for the scheduled trial.

Our 7-Day Trial Program (Foster-to-Adopt) This is a no-strings-attached way to see if a dog is the right fit for your family. The adoption is finalized at checkout when the full donation is paid. During the 7-day period after pickup, you may return the dog for a full refund if it is not the right match.

We recommend using the full seven days to observe important things like car manners, interactions with your kids or other pets, potty training, and overall compatibility. Keep in mind that seven days may not be enough time for a dog to fully settle in.

Trial Eligibility (Important – Please Read Carefully) Trial periods and the 7-day full refund return window are handled differently depending on the dog’s age and vaccination status:

• Fully Vaccinated Dogs (adults or puppies who have completed their full DHPP series): Eligible for the standard 7-day trial and full refund return window.

• Puppies Under 4 Months Old: No trial or return window is offered. Adoption is finalized at pickup once the donation is paid.

• Dogs Finishing Their Vaccine Protocol (puppies or young dogs still receiving DHPP boosters): No standard 7-day trial or return window due to disease risk. Limited supervised placements may be considered in some cases, but the dog must remain isolated from other dogs and public areas. Please discuss options with your WNFP coordinator.

By signing this agreement, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. The adoption is finalized at checkout when the full donation is paid. Eligible dogs have a 7-day period to return the dog for a full refund if it is not the right fit.

2. You must comply with all WNFP policies and procedures while the dog is in your care.

3. You agree to provide the dog with proper care, including adequate food, fresh water, shelter, exercise, grooming, and any needed medication. WNFP can provide food upon request — please coordinate pickup with your coordinator.

4. You will follow all care instructions provided by WNFP and will not deviate without first consulting a WNFP representative.

5. You agree to maintain the dog as a household pet and companion in a safe, loving home.

6. You will comply with all Washington State laws and local animal ordinances.

7. You will keep the dog under your control at all times. The dog may not roam freely outside a fenced yard or home. Keeping the dog on a chain, rope, or similar restraint is not permitted.

8. You will properly supervise the dog at all times. When outside, the dog must be in a securely fenced area or on a leash with you physically present. For dogs finishing their vaccine protocol, stricter isolation rules apply — no public areas and limited exposure to other dogs as directed by WNFP.

9. You will use only positive reinforcement training. Punishment-based methods are not permitted. Dogs should not be crated more than a total of 4 hours in any 24-hour period.

10. Veterinary Care and Medical Records Veterinary records (including vaccination history) will be provided to you at checkout. WNFP will make reasonable efforts to answer any questions you may have. Because our dogs often come from rescue transfers or street situations, we may not have a complete history. You understand and accept that the dog may have unknown or undisclosed medical or behavioral conditions.

    Medical Responsibility: WNFP does not cover any medical issues that arise after adoption, even during the 7-day return period. You are fully responsible for all veterinary costs once the dog is in your care. We strongly recommend purchasing our pet insurance option at checkout, which has no waiting periods.

    If the dog needs non-emergency medical attention, you must contact WNFP immediately for approval before any vet visit. For true emergencies, contact WNFP as soon as possible. The only approved emergency clinic is Uptown Vet in Gig Harbor. WNFP will not reimburse any vet costs incurred without prior approval.

11. Household Pets / Injury Responsibility If a meet-and-greet goes poorly and another animal (yours or a WNFP foster) is injured, you are responsible for those costs. WNFP may offer assistance on a case-by-case basis as approved by the board.

12. Future Rehoming If at any time in the future you are no longer able to keep your adopted dog, you must first contact WNFP before rehoming, surrendering, or transferring the dog to any other person or organization. You agree to continue housing and caring for the dog until WNFP can find a suitable new placement. WNFP will work with you to arrange the return or transfer as quickly as possible.

13. If you are unable to keep the dog during the 7-day return window (for eligible dogs), you must return it to WNFP. This agreement is non-transferable.

14. You understand that your household pets could be exposed to medical or behavioral conditions that have not been identified. WNFP is not liable for any illness, injury, or issues affecting your own animals.

15. Release of Liability You agree not to hold WNFP responsible for any damages the dog may cause to any person or property. You release and hold harmless WNFP, its officers, directors, volunteers, and representatives from any and all claims, damages, injuries, or liabilities (known or unknown) arising from the dog’s care, behavior, or condition. Notify WNFP immediately of any incident.

16. WNFP relies on secondhand information from previous rescues. We do our best to provide accurate bios, but descriptions are not guarantees.

17. Dogs may develop a cough or cold due to travel stress. We recommend supplementing with coconut oil daily for the first few days. WNFP does not provide medication for kennel cough.

18. Upon final adoption (or earlier if requested), we will send vaccination records. Dogs should be up to date on DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies where possible.

19. If the dog still needs DHPP boosters after the trial period, it is your responsibility to obtain and administer them. Boosters are available affordably at Wilco.

20. If the dog is not yet spayed or neutered, you must complete the surgery by 1 year of age (or within 6 months of adoption if adult). We can help schedule at Northwest Spay and Neuter; you pay the fee.

21. For puppies under 4 months old, we require proof of pet insurance. We deduct $100 from the adoption donation if the puppy is not fully vaccinated to help cover the first two months of insurance.

22. If you need to return a puppy under 4 months old (or a dog still finishing vaccines), WNFP may require you to continue housing the dog until its vaccine series is complete. The adoption donation is non-refundable in this case.