Note: This does not constitute a valid contract as displayed here, but must be read and understood before an adoption application is completed.

Bulldogs are typically affectionate and friendly, and the BCA Rescue Network will not knowingly place a dog with an unsound temperament. However, no one can predict how any dog will react in a given situation without full knowledge of its life experiences before rescue. Therefore, adopters are strongly urged to exercise prudence and caution in introducing an adopted bulldog into new situations until it has become fully adjusted to its new environment and the adopter has had an opportunity to become familiar with the dog's unique personality. The Bulldog Club of America and the BCA Rescue Network make no claims, representations, or warranties regarding the temperament, behavior, or future health of any rescued bulldog.

The Bulldog is not a working or sporting dog. It is bred solely for companionship. Although it loves a daily walk with human companionship, the Bulldog's physical structure; i.e., compact body, short legs and brachy-cephalic features) make it unsuitable for living outdoors or rigorous exercise like jogging. An adoptive home should have a fenced yard for exercise. If this is not possible, the dog must be exercised on a leash. A BCA Rescue Network member will visit the prospective adoptive home to evaluate it for rescue dog placement.

UNCONDITIONALLY, THE BCA RESCUE NETWORK RETAINS THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. If, for any reason, the adopter cannot keep the rescued dog, he/she will contact the BCA Rescue Network member who placed the dog with him/her for repossession and further action. If the adopter suggests a possible placement, that prospect must complete an application and be approved by the BCA Rescue Network, whose members act only to reduce, as much as possible, the trauma of repeated moves. Primary responsibility is to the rescued Bulldog throughout its lifetime.

The BCA Rescue Network carries insurance for damage or loss involving rescued Bulldogs while under its care. This insurance does not cover the adopter once ownership has been transferred. The BCA strongly recommends that new owners of any dogs consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for themselves. Providers of homeowners' insurance can explain the requirements and costs of such protection. (Bulldogs, of course, are not classified, by their nature, as "dangerous" or "aggressive". A more appropriate classification is "companion" or "couch potato".)

This contract is made between the BCA Rescue Network as represented by the member whose signature appears below and the adopter whose signature appears below. The adopter agrees to:

• Provide this dog with personal I.D. tags, proper food, fresh water, and adequate shelter at all times.
• Provide veterinary treatment for this dog as needed, including annual examinations, DHLPP and rabies vaccinations, and heartworm and intestinal parasite checks, to be followed by periodic use of preventatives.
• Comply with all state and local laws and ordinances related to keeping this dog, including leash/license laws.
• Never give or sell this dog to another person, agency, or animal shelter or to allow it to be used for experimentation, dog fighting, or any other commercial illegal activity.
• Immediately notify the BCA Rescue Network member named below to make arrangements to return the animal to the BCA Rescue Network member if, for any reason, you are unable to keep this dog.
• Immediately notify the BCA Rescue Network if this dog is lost.
• Permit a BCA Rescue Network member to observe the premises where the dog is housed and to reclaim the dog if, in the sole judgment of the BCA Rescue Network member, it is not being cared for as agreed to in this document or facts have been misrepresented to the BCA Rescue Network.

I HEREBY ACCEPT POSSESSION OF THIS DOG "AS IS" AND AT MY OWN RISK and hereby release and waive any rights against the Bulldog Club of America, the BCA Rescue Network, and any and all of their members, which I may have now or in the future, for any damages to person or property caused by this dog.

I agree to make a donation (at least $300.00 in most areas) to the BCA Rescue Network to help with the spaying/ neutering and veterinary care of future rescued Bulldogs. If the dog is returned to the Network member for good reason within the first four weeks from taking possession, the donation will be refunded in full. After this period, no refund will be made whether the dog is returned by the adopter or as a result of reclamation as specified in item 7 of this contract.

Note: At the end of the written contract there are the usual blanks for dates and signatures that transfer ownership of and responsibility for the rescued Bulldog from the BCA Rescue network (a rescuer signs for the Network) to the new responsible owner or owners.

 For Canadian rescue information, see below.

The BCA has a limited Rescue Network in Canada. 

In Alberta, contact Eileen Locke at 403-286-7267 or B. J. Molendyk at 403-279-7990. 

In British Columbia contact Julie Dow at 604-949-0127.

In Ontario and Quebec contact Gail Neilson at 905-868-9940.