~~ Adoption Policy ~~
*Note* MER = Manitou Equine Rescue
2. A MER Adoption Application must be filled out and submitted to MER along with and application fee of $15.00. Please understand that all monies paid for the care of the rescues that MER has is paid for out of the pockets of Nancy Ruby and Rita Hoag. This application fee is to cover MER's Expenses of phone calls regarding the application, gas to do inspection of the site where the adopted equine will be kept, film and processing for inspection. This fee is non refundable. Paying this fee in no way guarantees that your application will be approved. This fee is transferable to another adoptable equine if the first one does not work out.
3. MER MUST inspect the site where the adopted equine is to be kept.
4. If the adopted equine is to be used as a riding/driving animal the adopter and anyone who will be riding/driving the animal must first come out and ride/drive it in the presence of an MER Representative. Riding Helmets are recommended.
5. All references MUST be contacted by MER.
6. A MER Adoption Contract must be filled out and signed.
7. An adoption donation must be recieved in full before the adopted equine will be released. We will accept deposits on an adoptable equine to hold the equine. The deposits are non refundable. We will board and adoptable equine that has a deposit on it for a period of 30 days with no board fee being charged. After 30 days if the adopter has not taken delivery of the equine a fee will be charged to the adopter as a board fee. This fee must also be paid in full before the equine will be released. This fee will be determined on a case by case basis. We happily accept cash, cashier check or money orders. Sorry, we do not accept personal checks due to problems in the past.
8. Safe transportation must be arranged. We will transport the adopted equine to the adopters home for a reduced hauling fee. This fee is determined on a case by case basis. Again, this fee is to cover our out of pocket expenses.
9. MER will assure the adopter that the adoptable equine will be current on all vaccinations, coggins, farrier work and dewormings.
10. The adopter MUST agree that he/she will not sell, lease, give away, auction or dispose of the adopted equine at any time in the future. The adopted equine shall be returned to MER in the event that the adopter cannot any longer care for the horse.
11. MER maintains a co-ownership on the adopted equine. This is to ensure that the adopted equine will not end up in slaughter. The adopter will be a custodial co-owner. If in the event that the adopter must return the equine to MER a partial refund will be given. This is determined on a case by case basis.
12. MER representatives retain the first rights to any horse listed as available.