Spay & Neuter Agreement

1. Scope

This Spay & Neuter Agreement applies to all dogs adopted through RESCUE DOG .ME who are unaltered — meaning not yet spayed (females) or neutered (males) — at the time of adoption. "Unaltered" is defined as not having undergone a complete spay or neuter procedure as documented by a licensed veterinarian.

Dogs already spayed or neutered prior to adoption are not subject to this Agreement; their records will be provided in their adoption packet.

2. Standard Timeline

The Adopter agrees to have the dog spayed or neutered by the later of: twelve (12) months from the dog's date of birth, or ninety (90) days from the adoption date. The second option exists so that dogs adopted later in life — close to or past the 12-month mark — still receive a fair compliance window rather than one that's already expired.

This deadline is a maximum timeline, not a recommendation to wait. If your vet recommends the procedure sooner, please proceed on their timeline.

3. Veterinarian Guidance

RESCUE DOG .ME defers to the recommendations of your licensed veterinarian for the timing of spay/neuter based on your dog's breed, size, and individual health status. We understand that:

• Large and giant breeds (45+ lbs projected adult weight) may benefit from waiting until growth plates close, typically 12–18 months.
• Dogs with underlying health conditions may require additional assessment before surgery is safe.
• Female dogs should not be altered while in heat unless medically necessary; waiting 2–3 months after a heat cycle is standard practice.

If your vet recommends a timeline beyond the deadline in Section 2, please submit an extension request (see Section 5) with a supporting note from your vet.

4. Proof Requirements

Within 30 days of the procedure, the Adopter must provide one of the following to RESCUE DOG .ME:

• A completed spay/neuter certificate from the performing veterinary clinic.
• A signed letter on clinic letterhead confirming the procedure, the dog's name, and the date.
• A veterinary invoice clearly showing the spay/neuter procedure and the dog's identification.

Documentation should be submitted by email to hello@rescuedog.me with the subject line "S/N Proof — [Dog's Name]." The Rescue will confirm receipt within 5 business days.

5. Extension Requests

The Rescue will consider medical deferrals and timeline extensions on a case-by-case basis. To request an extension:

1. Email hello@rescuedog.me with the subject line "S/N Extension Request — [Dog's Name]."
2. Include a brief explanation and, where applicable, supporting documentation from your veterinarian (a signed note or letter is sufficient).
3. Extensions are typically granted for 30–90 additional days. Longer deferrals for documented medical reasons may be approved at the Rescue's discretion.

Extensions must be requested before the applicable deadline (see Section 2), not after. Retroactive extensions are not guaranteed.

6. Non-Compliance

The Rescue will follow the non-compliance process below for unaltered dogs past the required timeline without an approved extension:

• At the deadline (see Section 2): A friendly reminder email is sent if proof has not been received.
• 30 days past the deadline: A formal notice of breach is issued. The Adopter has 30 days to submit proof or an approved extension request.
• 90 days past the deadline: If no proof or approved extension is on file, the Rescue may exercise its right of reclaim under the Adoption Terms & Agreement.

7. Spay/Neuter Deposit

A refundable spay/neuter deposit of $100–$200 may be collected at the time of adoption for unaltered dogs. This deposit is:

• Fully refunded upon receipt and confirmation of the required documentation within the agreed timeline.
• Forfeited if the dog is not altered within the required timeline without an approved extension.
• Separate from the adoption fee, which is non-refundable.

Whether a deposit applies to your specific adoption will be communicated at the time of placement.

8. Low-Cost Resources

RESCUE DOG .ME can connect you with low-cost spay/neuter programs in Wyoming and neighboring states. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to hello@rescuedog.me and we will do our best to help identify options in your area, including:

• SPCA and Humane Society low-cost clinics
• Wyoming Spay Wyoming programs
• Mobile spay/neuter units operating in rural areas
• Rescue-partner veterinary practices offering reduced rates

9. Microchip Transfer Hold

If your dog was not yet spayed or neutered at the time of adoption, RESCUE DOG .ME will not initiate the dog's microchip ownership transfer in the 24Petwatch registry until proof of spay/neuter completion has been submitted and confirmed under Section 4 above. Once proof is received, the transfer will be initiated within the timeline described on the microchip registration page.

Dogs already spayed or neutered at the time of adoption are not affected by this hold — their microchip transfer is initiated as part of the standard adoption process.

10. Governing Agreement

This Spay & Neuter Agreement is incorporated into and governed by the Adoption Terms & Agreement. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and the Adoption Terms, the Adoption Terms shall control. Both agreements are subject to Wyoming law.