the process | the agreement | the inspection

ADOPTION PROCESS

It is the goal of Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. (DEFHR) to attempt to place each horse in the home best suited to it's needs. In addition, horses adopted from DEFHR cannot be used for breeding, be re-sold or give away. The horse cannot be relocated from the original approved facility without the permission of DEFHR. In the event that the placement does not work out for any reason, DEFHR requires that the horse be returned to us. Adopted horses must go to a home that has at least one other horse. Horses are herd animals and require companionship of at least one other horse.

Before any horse may be adopted from DEFHR, the following procedures must be followed:

• The prospective adopter must call to schedule an appointment to work with our trainer(s)and the horse they are interested in adopting. At the time of the appointment the adopter must sign and complete fully a DEFHR Release Form. The purpose of this appointment is to ensure the safety of both the prospective adopter and the horse, and to allow DEFHR an opportunity to evaluate compatibility of the horse and rider.

• Once the potential adopter is determined capable of working safely with the horse alone, he/she must schedule no less than two more visits to work with the horse. DEFHR may require, at any time, additional sessions.

• Upon completion of the working sessions, if the potential adopter and horse are fully compatible, the adoption questionnaire must be completed and signed, along with the cover letter, and sent to DEFHR with a $10.00 application fee. Applications will not be accepted if the adopter has not been evaluated with the horse or if the prospective adopter was not found suitable for the horse.

• Once the application has been received by DEFHR, DEFHR Staff will contact the references listed on the adoption application and then schedule an appointment to inspect the property where the horse will be kept. The property being inspected may be a boarding facility but must be staffed by personnel that are well informed in the care, management and feeding of horses. Fencing, buildings and pastures must be safe, clean and free of debris. A field with a run-in shed is preferred. Adopter must, however, have the availability of a stall in case of illness or injury. If an adopter would prefer the horse be kept at their own facility they will be required to follow the inspection guidelines and have the necessary skills to properly care for the horse. see Inspection Guidelines

• Following an acceptable facility inspection and reference check, the application will be evaluated, the information reviewed and a final decision will be made. DEFHR may approve or deny final adoption . DEFHR reserves the right to deny adoption for any reason, in its sole discretion, and is not obligated to state any reason.

When all requirements are met, and preliminary adoption procedures have been satisfied, DEFHR will require the following at the time of adoption:

• Completion of a permanent adoption contract, with terms and conditions as DEFHR may, in its sole discretion, determine.

• Payment in full of the adoption donation is required at the time of adoption and is non-refundable. Our adoption donations set by DEFHR, in its sole discretion. The adoption donation may be paid by cash, credit card (Visa MasterCard, or Discover) or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted.

• Upon final adoption of the horse, DEFHR reserves the right to transport the adopted horse to the adopter's facility for a nominal fee of $50 hook-up and $ .50/mile round trip.

• DEFHR reserves the right to conduct unscheduled follow-up visits on the adopted horse and the facility at DEFHR's discretion and at minimum on an annual basis.

• Upon placement of a horse, DEFHR may require the adopter to submit a health statement from the adopter's veterinarian and farrier.

All donations are non refundable, and are used to fund the
rehabilitation of future abused, neglected or unwanted horses sheltered at the farm.

 

For more information call:
301/854-5037 or 410/442-1564
E-Mail: info@defhr.org

Physical Address:
1372 Woodbine Road
Woodbine, MD 21797

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 309
Lisbon, Maryland 21765

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Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based humane organization whose mission is Fostering compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education, and outreach.