A Promised Land Animal Rescue, Inc. (Tampa Bay Region)
Effective date: 01-01-2026
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Important notice: We are a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit, foster- and volunteer-based organization. The information below is designed to establish clear expectations and minimize risk for all parties involved. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice; please consult a Florida attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Nature of Our Organization
A Promised Land Animal Rescue, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Florida run entirely by volunteers and partner fosters.
Florida and U.S. law both recognize limited liability for nonprofit officers and volunteers acting in good faith:
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Florida Statute § 617.0834 – “Liability of directors and officers of not-for-profit corporations.”
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Florida Statute § 768.1355 – “Florida Volunteer Protection Act.”
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42 U.S.C. § 14501 et seq. – “Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.”
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These laws collectively provide immunity for volunteers acting within the scope of their duties, except for willful misconduct or gross negligence.​
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Health Care Provided Before Adoption
Before placement, animals receive age-appropriate veterinary exams, vaccines, parasite control, microchips, and spay/neuter when medically appropriate. We share known history transparently. However, no rescue can guarantee an animal’s future health, behavior, breed, or temperament.
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Health, Behavior & Risk Allocation (your protections)
Once an animal leaves our care, the adopter assumes full responsibility for all future health and behavior. This includes—but is not limited to—upper respiratory infections, parasites, ringworm, congenital conditions, pregnancy, behavioral issues, injuries, or death. By adopting, you agree that the Rescue is not liable for veterinary costs, illness, injury (including bites/scratches), damage to property, or transmission of disease to people or other animals after transfer of care. This waiver is enforceable under Florida case law (Sanislo v. Give Kids the World, Inc., 157 So. 3d 256 [Fla. 2015]), which upholds clear and unambiguous liability waivers in nonprofit contexts. The adopter further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Rescue, its officers, volunteers, and affiliates from any claim or expense related to the adopted animal.
Florida Statutes Referenced:
• § 768.1355 – Volunteer Protection Act
• § 617.0834 – Not-for-Profit Director/Officer Liability
• § 768.28 – Waiver of Sovereign Immunity / Liability Limits
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Additional Health Disclaimer (plain language):
We make no warranty—express or implied—about an animal’s health, behavior, breed, or suitability for a particular purpose. The adopter is responsible for all medical and behavioral care after adoption, including any illness that appears later (e.g., ringworm, parasites, URIs, FIV/FeLV) or any injury or damage involving the animal.
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Dog-Bite & Animal-Injury Law (Florida context)
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for damages if the dog bites another person, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. After adoption, you are the legal owner of the animal and assume all responsibilities and risks associated with it.
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Cat Bite & Animal-Injury Law (Florida)
Florida does not have a strict-liability statute for cat bites. Instead, liability for cat-related injuries falls under the general principles of negligence.
This means that, after adoption, you are responsible for ensuring reasonable care and safe handling of your cat.
By adopting, you acknowledge that you:
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Accept full responsibility for any cat bite, scratch, injury, or damage caused by the cat after adoption.
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Understand that liability may arise if the owner knew or should have known of the cat’s aggressive tendencies or failed to take reasonable precautions.
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Acknowledge that A Promised Land Animal Rescue is not liable for any injuries or damages caused by the cat once ownership transfers to you.
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Introductions & Multi-Pet Homes
We recommend slow, supervised introductions between adopted animals and current household pets.
The adopter is responsible for managing all interactions and assumes liability for any injuries or damages that result from animals and the home.
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Foster Agreements
All fostered animals remain the property of A Promised Land Animal Rescue, Inc. until adoption.
Fosters agree to:
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Provide safe, humane housing and nutrition.
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Report any illness or behavioral changes promptly.
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Obtain Rescue approval before incurring veterinary expenses.
Volunteer Agreement
Volunteers understand that working with animals carries the risk of bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases, or physical injury. They serve without pay and are covered by the Florida and Federal Volunteer Protection Acts cited above.
Volunteers release the Rescue from liability for any injury or property damage that may occur while volunteering.
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Non-Adoptable Animal Sponsorships
Certain animals remain under Forever Care due to age, illness, or behavioral issues.
Sponsorship donations help fund medical care and quality of life.
All sponsorships are non-refundable charitable contributions under 26 U.S.C. § 170(c)(2).
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Conduct & Communications
We expect respectful, professional communication. Harassment, defamatory statements, or false public claims about the Rescue, our partners, or volunteers are prohibited. Disputes should be raised directly with Rescue leadership for prompt review.
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Officers & Directors (Governance Note)
Florida law provides standards of conduct, indemnification, and certain immunities for nonprofit directors and officers acting in good faith.
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Returns & Rehoming
If you can no longer care for an adopted animal, please contact us. We will make reasonable efforts to help rehome, subject to space and capacity. Fees are non-refundable.
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Governing Law & Venue
These Terms & Conditions are governed by Florida law.
Any dispute shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Pasco County, Florida.
Statutory References:
• Fla. Stat. § 47.011 – Venue of actions
• Fla. Stat. § 95.11 – Limitations of actions
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Acknowledgment of Agreement
By submitting any adoption, foster, volunteer, or sponsorship form, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Checking the consent box or signing electronically serves as your lawful signature under the Florida Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Fla. Stat. § 668.50).
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Why we include legal citations
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Exculpatory/waiver clauses are enforceable if clear and unambiguous (Florida Supreme Court, Sanislo v. Give Kids the World, Inc.).
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Volunteer protections exist in both Florida statute and federal law.
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Dog/Cat-bite strict liability shifts to the owner after the dog/cat is adopted.
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Nonprofit governance standards/immunities are addressed in Florida’s nonprofit act.
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