Things to consider before adopting a pet.
Do you have enough time to devote to your pet?
Pets need daily interaction, care and exercise. If you work long hours, will your pet require more attention than you can provide? Kittens and young cats especially require a lot of attention, just as children do, and can get bored easily or develop behavioral issues.
If you live in an apartment, does your complex allow pets?
Are there pet fees or deposits? Will your apartment have enough room for the new pet?
Have you considered the costs of food and medical care for your pet?
Kittens require a series of vaccines and cats should be taken to the vet at least once a year. Are you prepared to pay for medical care or special food if your pet develops an illness?
Where will your cat spend most of its time?
Most cat experts and humane organizations are trying to educate the public that keeping cats indoors protects them from disease and dangers such as exposure to feline leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus,(FIV) Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), rabies, and injury or death occurring on busy roads and by predators. Outside cats only live to about 7 years or less, while inside only cats can live for 10-15 years. People who keep their cats indoors say they have deeper and more satisfying relationships with their cats
Cats can live for 15 years or more. What will your life be like in that timeframe?
Will you move, get married, or have a family? Adopting a pet is a responsibility that you agree to take on for the life of the pet. Will you be able to fulfill that responsibility in the future? Many cats are given up because owners do not plan for these life changes and how the pet will fit into those changes.
Many pets are abandoned or relinquished due to allergies in the family.
Make sure that no one in the family has allergies to pets before adopting. Keep in mind that people with allergies may react differently to individual animals.
What will happen to your pet if something happens to you?
It is difficult to imagine, but many pets outlive their owners. What will happen to your pet if you pass away, become disabled or are unable to adequately care for your pet? Rescues are often overwhelmed with calls from people faced with the difficult problem of what to do with a deceased family member’s beloved pet that they cannot accommodate.
Before getting a cat or kitten, is your dog recommended to live with a cat?
Do the research! Not all dogs are a good match with cats. There are many dogs that are bred to have strong prey drives and shouldn’t live with cats. They may be wonderful family companions, but usually can’t control their instincts and may harm a cat. Be responsible and understand that animals are animals and it is your responsibility as a pet owner to provide a safe home for all pets. Many felines end up in shelters due to adopters not understanding the nature of their pets. Dog breed and temperament should also be considered when adopting a dog to live with a feline.
Having a pet is a lifetime responsibility.
It is very stressful for an older cat to be re-homed, and it is more difficult to find homes for them. If you are prepared to take on this responsibility, having a pet is a wonderful and rewarding experience. Please keep this in mind when you are getting a new pet.
For additional questions about adoption, please contact us
Our adoption process is simple but thorough. You select a feline who touches your heart and fill out a preliminary adoption form. Filling out the online application is the quickest way to start the adoption process, lets us know inportant information to make agood match and is required of all adoptions. After review and your approval by our volunteers, you will be contacted by an adoption coordinator to discuss the adoption and set up a meet and greet. Please allow a few days for this process, as CARE is an all volunteer rescue – each of us is giving our own personal time and we appreciate your patience. A legal adoption contract is then signed with an adoption donation attached (this donation helps defray the medical and expenses incurred while in foster care)
Each cat/kitten has spent its rescued time in a private home in foster care being loved and assessed for temperament and personality, needs, likes and dislikes. Our adoption counselors will help you to adopt a feline that will fit well and become a permanent member of your family.
Adoption Fees and Specials!
(fees contribute to only a third of the cost of each rescued cat’s medical and living expenses while being fostered)
Our adoption fee is $150 per cat/kitten. $50 for all cats over 8 years of age. (unless otherwise noted) Special fees may be posted during the year. Please contact CARE to confirm adoption fees for a specific cat.
As Part of the Adoption Fee each Feline has had the following:
* A Full Health Check up by a Veterinarian
* Treated, if needed, for any problems with Ear/Eyes/Teeth
* Treated for Worms, Fleas and Ticks
* Tested for FIV and FELV and found Negative (unless otherwise noted)
* Feline has been microchipped
* Treated for any Medical or Surgical Problems as needed unless noted otherwise
* A Series of FVRCP Immunizations (additional distemper booster shots may be required for young kittens after adoption)
* A Rabies Vaccination if older than 4 months
* Spayed or Neutered if older than 5 months of age.
Online Application
Our goal is to place all rescued felines in permanent, appropriate, safe and loving homes. This process may take time, but will be worth the wait as you will have adopted a feline that fits your needs and will give enjoyment to your family for years to come! Please note that CARE reserves the right to deny applications without a stated reason. All applications with missing information or not filled out truthfully will not be considered.