- How can I adopt a cat or kitten from SAFE Haven For Cats?
- When are appointments scheduled?
- How much does it cost to adopt?
- What else does the adoption fee cover?
- Will I have to get the cat I adopt from SAFE Haven spayed or neutered at a later date?
- Can I take my cat home the same day I come to the shelter?
- What can I expect when I arrive at the shelter?
- Who should come with me when I come to adopt?
- What are the requirements following the adoption?
- Is there a health guarantee?
- What if I don’t find my perfect pet today?
1. How can I adopt a cat or kitten from SAFE Haven For Cats?
- Fill out the on-line application form completely and send it to us. You can fill it out on the spot if you choose to visit the shelter on the weekend.
- After receiving your application, a trained adoption counselor will interview you by phone or in person.
- If we have a cat or kitten that would be a good match for your needs we will set up an appointment for you to visit the shelter on the weekend when we are open to the public. If you drop into the shelter you will proceed into the cat viewing area with a trained Adoption Counselor.
- In order to be considered as an adopter:
- You must be 21 years old or older
- Have legal identification showing your present address
- If you are a renter, you must attest to the fact you are allowed to have pets.
- May be asked to provide veterinary references.
2. When are appointments scheduled?
SHFC is open only on the weekends: Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Sundays from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Please allow at least an hour to 1 ½ hours for the adoption process.
3. How much does it cost to adopt?
Adoption fees are as follows:
|
$85 |
|
Adult Cats 1 yr+ |
$100 |
Kittens up to 1 yr |
||
$50 |
Special Needs Cats |
Adoption fees include the following medical care:
- Spay/Neuter surgery
- Initial Feline Distemper Combination Vaccines
- Rabies Vaccination
- Examination by a Veterinarian
- Testing for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
- Deworming
- Preventative treatment with Revolution for fleas, ear mites, intestinal parasite and heartworms
- Microchipping
SAFE Haven accepts cash, checks and credit cards as payment.
4. What else does the adoption fee cover?
Every new owner gets an information packet, with handouts about acclimating your new pet to your home and other family pets, a checklist to look for household dangers, Quick Start Tips and a 4# bag of the Science Diet Food your cat is currently eating. In addition, each new owner gets a demonstration of nail trimming.
5. Will I have to get the cat I adopt from SAFE Haven spayed or neutered at a later date?
No! All cats and kittens adopted from SAFE Haven have already been sterilized. Because of this kittens cannot be adopted until they are old enough for this procedure, usually between 12-14 weeks of age.
6. Can I take my cat home the same day I come to the shelter?
Yes! Most cats and kittens are ready to go if they are on our Website. All cats need to leave in a sturdy cat carrier. Bring one if you have it or you can purchase one at the shelter.
7. What can I expect when I arrive at the shelter?
Upon arrival you will be assisted by a trained adoption counselor who will help you select the right cat for your home and needs. If you have not filled out an adoption application, you will be asked to fill one out as a prerequisite to viewing the cats and kittens available for adoption. Our adoption process had evolved from many years of experience. Our goal is not to adopt out the highest number of cats, but to place each cat into a wonderful, loving, permanent home where he will live for the rest of his life. If the screening process occasionally seems overly strict, try to remember that the shelter’s first priority is the animal’s best interests.
8. Who should come with me when I come to adopt?
We suggest you bring anyone who will be living with the new pet - i.e. your family (spouse and all children), boyfriend/girlfriend, or roommates. Because our space is limited, we would suggest not bringing other relatives, parents, your children’s friends or neighbors. We may not have enough space to accommodate them.
9. What are the requirements following the adoption?
After visiting with several cats in one of our unique adoption rooms or the cageless playroom you will find your new lifelong companion. Via a signed contract with SAFE Haven you will have to agree to the following:
- A yearly veterinary exam with vaccines.
- To closely monitor your new cat with small children and to remove areas of danger from your home.
- To keep your cat indoors unless on a leash or in a screened in porch.
- To keep an ID tag and collar on the cat at all times.
- Not to declaw the cat.
- To return the cat to SAFE Haven if you cannot keep the cat for any reason.
Additional Requirements:
- Existing cats within the home must be tested negative for both FeLV & FIV (some exceptions apply).
- Existing animals in the home must be up-to-date on vaccines and spayed or neutered.
- No cats or kittens can be given as gifts, however, gift certificates towards an adoption are available.
- The placement of kittens into homes with some large dogs and/or children under 5 years old is strongly discouraged as is the adoption by undergraduate students.
10. Is there a health guarantee?
SAFE Haven For Cats makes every effort to place only healthy pets, but cannot guarantee the health or temperament of these cats into the future. These animals are all stray cats who come from many sources. If your pet is diagnosed with an adverse health condition by a veterinarian within 14 days of adoption, we will gladly refund your money, take the cat back and/or work with you to find another companion.
11. What if I don’t find my perfect pet today?
Keep checking our Website which is updated weekly and just give us a call for an appointment. You do not have to go through the screening process again. We take in many new animals each week.
