Spay Contract Question

I've found myself in a position to rescue a couple of animals from euthanasia (pet owner didn't want one because was moving and couldn't have at the home; other kitten was a stray and in a substandard animal shelter that puts down 95% of its cats). My question is this-- are "contracts" legally enforcible between two regular people? The kitten I got from the animal shelter needs to be spayed but is too young according to the vet she has to be spayed through; but I am concerned that the older she gets, the harder it will be to find her a home.

I was thinking of putting up an ad stating that she needs to be spayed as a condition of the adoption-- would it be unusual to say that in lieu of an adoption fee, in order to take her home they would need to pay for her spaying up front at the vet? Any other suggestions. I'm just concerned that if it came down to it and they didn't have her spayed (like if I just had them sign a contract rather than put the money down), that I don't really have the resources to pursue the breach of contract.

The kitten is young, 16-18 weeks, but she is big for her age and she seems like a little cat... she is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure I could find her a home. The thing is I have seen kittens younger than she is who were already spayed and I don't know if it's the vet that has that requirement of 6 months, or if that's the standard age. I wouldn't put her at any extra risk by doing it too early. Thank you for any advice.

Breeders regularly include a spay/neuter contract in their kitten sales agreements. Since you aren't a breeder, perhaps what you could do is charge a small but reasonable adoption fee and offer to refund some of it once proof of spay/neuter is provided to you.

Pediatric spays and neuters (8 weeks of age) are being done more and more commonly. It is just as safe as a regular spay (thanks to lots of newer and safer drugs) and the kittens recover SO much faster than the adults! I would call around to other clinics and rescues and see if anyone in your area is performing pediatric spays and neuters.

I agree that younger kittens are easier to adopt out. I like Gayef's idea of a partial refund once she is spayed. Best of luck to you and these two kitties!

The kitten is young, 16-18 weeks, but she is big for her age and she seems like a little cat... she is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure I could find her a home. The thing is I have seen kittens younger than she is who were already spayed and I don't know if it's the vet that has that requirement of 6 months, or if that's the standard age. I wouldn't put her at any extra risk by doing it too early. Thank you for any advice.

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Pediatric spay/neuter (as early as 8 weeks) has been around for years....there are risks to spaying/neutering at any age (especially if there was a pre-existing health issue) but I would HIGHLY recommend that you have this kitten spayed....contracts are typically only followed about 60% of the time, even when cash back is offered. Plus...you have to consider that if you have a spay contract, you still must follow up to ensure it was done.

Katie