Q: Do I legally own my cat after adopting him from a rescue organization?
Months after adopting my cat from a rescue organization, the organization continues to contact me regularly for updates on the cat. They refer to him as “their” cat. I see that I signed an adoption agreement agreeing to never let him outdoors, and to never give him to another owner unless the rescue organization approves the new owner after a vetting process. Do they - or I - have any legal rights regarding this animal? Is that agreement legally binding? I paid an adoption fee; I have taken over veterinary care; he lives in my home; I feel that this is now “my” cat.
A: He is your cat. As far as letting him outdoors, that may be because of medical or emotional conditions that he may have. You can certainly ask them why they have that provision. As far as the vetting provision, it is pretty common with rescue agencies. They don't forget about animals that they have saved and remain as a resource to you. They want to make sure that if you can't or don't want to keep him, he is going to a good home or that he can be returned. Don't be offended. These organizations serve a vital function and only have your new pet's best interests in mind. The rules that they establish is because there are so many times that people change their mind and are too embarassed to take the pet back, resulting in giving them to the wrong person.
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