Become an RVHR Caregiver

Becoming a Caregiver of an RVHR horse can save a life.

RVHR and its Board of Directors have composed its new program titled ”Caregivers Needed”.  As a result, we have set up new guidelines, procedures and agreements. There will no longer be what is called “adoption” of a horse from the RVHR facility, rather, we are now looking for “Caregivers”.  All families interested in taking a RVHR horse into their home are encouraged to contact us. The Caregiver Program will now become easier for families to realize their dream of having a horse in their lives. Most importantly, it will help the RVHR facility protect our rescued equines legally for the rest of their lives.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “caregiver” as a person who provides direct care. Will you make a directly real difference in someone’s life?

What Do I need to do to become an RVHR Caregiver?

• Be of 18 years of age or older
• Provide references on the placement application and pay a $10 application fee. An application is given to the family during their first visit with a horse, as the application is not online.
• Must have another grazing animal, also called a ”companion”, where the placed horse will be housed. RVHR considers a companion to be another horse, goat or cow.
• If you do not have experience with horses, you will be required to take at least one basic horsemanship class from an approved horse facility and/or instructor.
• A home visit may be done prior to being considered as a match for a horse.
• Must be able to provide a stall, shelter or run-in, (3 closed sides with a roof), and a paddock with a turnout area at place of residence.
• Be approved as a good match for the horse.
• Once approved, the placement contract must be completed and signed by all parties to the placement.
• A full placement amount is then paid. Cash, cashier’s check or money order are accepted. Upon payment the caregiver may make arrangements to take the horse home.
• RVHR’s placement donation fees average $150, but can range from $150 to $1000+. These monies defer the costs of rehabilitating the horse being placed.
• The placement donation fee is set for each horse individually, and is kept confidential between the caregiver and RVHR.
• Donation fees, regardless of when paid, are not reimbursable nor refundable.

What do I need to do once an RVHR horse has been placed in my care?

• You are responsible for all expenses incurred for the care and transportation of the horse to his or her new home.
• After placement approval you have 30 days in which to complete the placement.
• If after 30 days from the time of the signing of the application the placed horse has not been moved from RVHR facility, then all caregiver rights to the horse are forfeited, as are any donation fees already paid.
• Upon forfeit,  the horse will be immediately placed back into the caregiver program for other applicant opportunities.
• RVHR reserves the right to check the progress and condition periodically of every horse.
• If there is a problem any time after placement, or the caregiver no longer wants the horse, or can no longer keep or provide for the horse, then the horse is to be released back to the rescue to be re-evaluated for later placement in another home.
• No rescue horse can ever be bred or sold for any reason.
• Anyone attempting to breed or sell, or anyone succeeding at breeding or selling a rescue horse will be prosecuted in a court of law for all costs to RVHR for breach of signed agreement.
• If it has been found that the horse has been bred or sold, it will be removed from the caregiver or purchaser immediately and returned to the RVHR facility.
• RVHR does not place any mare in any facility where a stallion resides or is being trained.
• If the caregiver purchases a stallion at any time after placement, the placed mare horse(s) will be immediately removed by RVHR,  returned to our facility and our caregiver program for other applicant opportunities. Caregiver will not receive any refund of any placement fee or cost.
• You will make every effort not to place the horse with an abusive trainer. If a placed horse is to be sent to a trainer’s facility it must be approved by RVHR prior to being moved.
• You agree not to allow the horse to run at large and will provide adequate fencing at all times.
• If the horse becomes sick or lame, you agree to provide prompt and adequate medical care and treatment by a certified equine veterinarian.
• If at anytime the placed horses should need any major medical procedures the procedure must be approved by the RVHR Board of Directors prior to being performed.
• Upon death of the horse, notification is required immediately with a veterinarian’s statement/cause of death. If the horse suffers a major injury or medical problem, the veterinarian must also report this.
• Notification is required within 48 hours if the horse is moved to a new location from the location on record with RVHR, and we will inspect the new location for compliance with the guidelines of this agreement.
• After placements, RVHR requests a yearly, up-to-date, dated photo of the horse for our records as well as permission to record video of the horse in their new home to help promote future placements of rescued horses.
• You will receive a copy of a current Coggins test (for Equine Infectious Anemia), a medical record of vaccinations and worming, and a feeding/medication/special care form at time of placement.
• You agree to continue to do yearly shots and a coggins, and to submit copies of same for RVHR’s files.
• If you purchase another horse for the safety of the placed horse please request a current copy of the new horse’s coggins test before housing it with the RVHR horse.
• You understand and accept that once the horse is in your possession all responsibility and liability in regard to that horse belongs to you.
• If RVHR or its agent(s) find that any of the above conditions have been violated, the horse is subject to a breach of these requirements and will be repossessed by RVHR. Please Note:
  Our goal at RVHR is to create a lasting, loving bond between a person and a very special horse that deserves a second chance at life. We will do everything possible to make that relationship a success. If at any time the caregiver is in need of assistance, including medical, financial or handling for a placed horse, please contact us immediately.
  Every horse will stay a minimum of 30 days for quarantine, health and training assessment.
  The boarding of a rescue horse 5 years old or under is prohibited. All boarding facilities will be required to sign a boarding agreement with RVHR.
  Prospective caregiver acknowledges and accepts that Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, Inc. retains ownership of all rescued horses for the rest of their lives.

Email us to schedule your appointment:  becomeacargiver@rvhr.com