Question
During the home check procedure I applied for an indoor only cat but she is desperate to go out. The rescue has said that if I let her out they can take her back. Is that true? I did sign a contract but the contract said nothing about indoor/outdoor. Are rescues allowed to set their own rules or does there need to be some legal standing behind their rules?
Answer
Rescues have wide discretion on what to include in adoption agreements. Many adoption agreements state that cats must be kept indoors. The purpose of this provision is to prevent cats from getting lost, run over, attacked by other animals, etc. However, unless an adoption agreement requires adopters to keep their adopted cat indoors, it may be difficult for a rescue to reclaim the cat based solely on the cat being outdoors. The agreement should be carefully reviewed. I hope the cat has a safe and happy life.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.