BOCA RATON, Fla. – Adopting a pet is often seen as a joyful experience, filled with excitement and anticipation of welcoming a new furry family member into the home.
However, for some adopters, the process can come with unexpected challenges — especially when it comes to the fine print of adoption contracts.
David Derrico and his family were eager to adopt a puppy, hoping to add a new member to their household. They decided to adopt Coco, a playful pup from Will’s Way rescue group.
“It was time that we wanted a dog,” Derrico said. “We’ve always loved animals.”
The Derrico family fell in love with Coco almost immediately. Frona Ross, a representative from Will’s Way, brought Coco to their home for a meet-and-greet back in March.
“She brought the dog over here and met the kids,” Derrico recalled. “Coco was adorable, rolling on his back and letting the kids pet his belly.”
After the successful meet-and-greet, Coco stayed with the Derrico family. They paid the $530 adoption fee via Venmo and settled into life with their new puppy. It seemed like a perfect match — until nearly three weeks later when an unexpected email arrived from Will’s Way Rescue.
The email contained a detailed adoption contract outlining several strict conditions.
Among the stipulations were prohibitions against allowing Coco to roam freely in their yard or screened-in patio and a clause forbidding him to be left alone with children at any time.
Another clause stated that during Coco’s lifetime, representatives from Will’s Way could visit the premises to ensure he was being cared for properly, with the right to reclaim him if they deemed it necessary.
Derrico was taken aback by the terms, feeling that they were overly restrictive and invasive.
“I understand the desire to protect a dog, but to write a contract that says, ‘I can do whatever I want,’ that’s how I protect the dog—I have all the power, and you have no power whatsoever,” Derrico said.
Derrico told Local 10 News he refused to sign the contract unless changes were made to its wording.
He explained that he was willing to negotiate but felt that the conditions as written were unrealistic for a typical family pet. However, Will’s Way Rescue’s director was unwilling to compromise, leading to a standoff. The rescue group demanded that Coco be returned to them if the contract was not signed.
“Is it usual to then send a contract after the fact and say, ‘sign it or I’m going to take the dog back you’ve now been living with and bonding with for over a month?’” Derrico asked.
Attempts to reach Ross at Will’s Way Rescue for comment were unsuccessful.
Calls and visits to her residence were met with silence or a refusal to speak. Local 10′s Animal Advocate Jacey Birch tried multiple times to contact Ross to discuss the terms of the contract and the reasoning behind them but received no response.
As of now, Coco is still with the Derrico family, and the contract remains unsigned and unamended.
“He’s happy, he’s used to us, he’s learned the routine, he’s comfortable with us, he loves us and we love him,” Derrico said.
Animal advocates and rescue groups emphasize the need for clear communication and transparency in the adoption process. “Adopt, don’t shop” is a mantra that encourages people to save homeless pets, but it’s equally important for adopters to read and understand all agreements before making a commitment.
Birch had a simple message for anyone looking to adopt a furry friend: When you choose to adopt, don’t forget to read the fine print. Make sure you’re comfortable with the contract you’re agreeing to before signing on the dotted line.”
For more information on pet adoption and to understand the different types of contracts and requirements, visit local animal shelters and rescue groups’ websites or consult with an animal welfare professional.
