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<DIV>The burden of responsibility for a dog certainly lies with the people
who have possession of the dog, and hence, why most responsible rescues get
ownership of the dog signed over to them and then in turn, ask for a
written adoption affidavit or certificate of transfer of some type when the
dog goes elsewhere.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If nothing else, this is done for reasons of insurance and liability, which
can effect anyone and not always in a good way. With that said, I have
seen successful transfers between individuals that do not involve paperwork, but
that is pretty much a crap shoot.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Keep in mind that there is very little that will prove ownership of a dog
if you don't have either a microchip, tattoo or some kind of paperwork proving
that dog's ownership. Otherwise, what is to stop someone from
taking someone else's dog that bothers them to a rescue or shelter for
rehoming? This does happen. Which is why it is important to also scan a
dog when they come into rescue.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>It will always be in your best interest, whether you are rehoming a dog or
getting a dog, to get ownership and responsibilities of the seller or rescuer
vs. your responsibilities defined in writing. Even if you bring along a
yellow pad and write it out while you are sitting there. Just then have
both parties agree and sign when you are done. If there are problems,
you will see them emerge in this process. Now certainly to define
questions in advance or work with a form already developed by a rescue, breeder
or adopter is helpful and often will save you time and money down the
road.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I was recently contacted about rescuing two dogs. The local rescue
group did not have any available foster homes, but I found one elsewhere.
I still worked with the local rescue group to get transfer of ownership in
writing using a legal document that had been well thought out in advance and is
used by a number of rescue organizations. If this happens to you, I really
recommend this so that you have this document in case of problems down the road,
and then to scan for any microchips prior to rehoming.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If you have just adopted a rescued dog, please have them scanned at your
vet. Then you can make arrangements with the rescue group or the microchip
people to get the chip transferred to your name. If they don't have a
microchip, please get one! If you are getting a puppy, ask your breeder
about microchipping. Most vets charge about $60 to microchip, but many
shelters offer low cost microchipping clinics. If you don't want to
microchip, then tattoo.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Best,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Sara Watson</DIV>
<DIV>Bluefence Bassets</DIV>
<DIV>SFSPCA Intern</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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