Any information provided about an animal’s habits and past history is shared by the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC in good faith to help guide you through the adoption process. This information may include details from the animal’s previous owner, the Association’s Inspectorate, or observations made while the animal was in our care. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, we cannot guarantee it. For full details, please see our rehoming policy.

1. The animal is deemed to be in normal health when leaving our facility, except where specific conditions have been noted on the Animal Adoption Form. Any future veterinary or treatment costs will be the sole responsibility of the Adopter, except where otherwise stated in Clause 4.

2. The welfare of the animal remains our top priority. If you have any concerns or questions after adoption, please contact the relevant branch or centre of the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC from which the animal was adopted immediately, providing all necessary details.

3. Nothing in these terms affects your legal rights, including those under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other consumer protection laws. If you need more information, please contact your local Consumer Advice or Trading Standards Department.

4. The Adopter confirms that, to the best of their knowledge, no person residing in their household—or anyone who will care for the animal—is disqualified from keeping animals. This includes not having any deprivation orders made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, any unspent convictions for offences relating to animals, or any restrictions arising from our new Criminal History Checks. These checks have been introduced to ensure that no individual banned from owning animals is involved in the care of our animals.

5. The Adopter is aware that they may be held liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal to third parties or their property. This liability may arise under the Animals Act 1971, including potential actions for nuisance due to the animal's behaviour. We strongly advise the Adopter to obtain appropriate insurance cover for such risks, including veterinary costs.

6. The Adopter agrees to comply with all relevant regulations, legislation, and laws concerning the welfare, control, responsible ownership, and protection of animals. This includes adherence to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the associated Codes of Practice in England and Wales. It is also the Adopter’s responsibility to ensure that any temporary carer of the animal follows these guidelines. Proper care means providing for the animal’s health, happiness, and overall well-being through suitable housing, a balanced diet, water, socialisation, exercise, and the necessary veterinary care (e.g., vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment).

7. If the animal is a rabbit, ferret, or guinea pig or rat and is unneutered at the time of adoption, the Adopter agrees to pay to have the animal neutered before the finalisation of adoption as unless a veterinarian advises against it for overriding reasons.

8. For animals that are microchipped (such as rabbits, ferrets, or rats), the Adopter agrees to have their personal data forwarded by the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC to the microchip database for registration purposes. It is the Adopter’s responsibility to update the database with any changes in address or ownership after adoption. This also applies to equine passports, where your details will be passed to the passport issuing authority.

9. The Adopter agrees not to irresponsibly sell or otherwise dispose of the animal.

10. Nothing in this Agreement excludes or limits the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC’s liability for fraud, or for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, nor does it limit any statutory or consumer rights which cannot be legally restricted.

11. This Agreement is solely between the Adopter and the Association of Protecting Exotic Species CIC. No other party is entitled to enforce any part of this Agreement.

12. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court or relevant authority, the remaining terms will continue to apply independently.

13. The English and Welsh Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any claims arising from or related to this Agreement, and English and Welsh law will apply.

By agreeing to adopt, you acknowledge and accept these terms, including our new Criminal History Checks, which help ensure that all our animals are placed in safe and suitable homes.