Adoption procedure

As our policy mentions, we do screen prospective candidates prior to adoption. Screening begins with the first contact, usually by telephone. We briefly outline our adoption policy and explain what Friends of Campus Cats is all about. We prefer to get acquainted just a bit before getting down to business; it helps us determine what sort of cat or kitten you have in mind and what sort of home you will provide. If we don’t have the right match, we can refer you to other rescuers. Often, those who have heard of us or have adopted from us before are willing to be placed on our waiting list until that perfect cat or kitten comes along.

If we have a likely match or two, you will be invited to visit our household. We always ask that all the members of your household come, and we recommend that you allow at least an hour for your visit. Be prepared to sit on the floor and play with friendly cats and kittens—and dress accordingly. (Kittens love shoes with laces, by the way, if you want to make a good impression.)

If cat(s) and people are well pleased, we schedule a visit to your home at your earliest convenience. This is not a white-glove inspection! The purpose of our visit is to see the space and meet the other animals of the household, if any, and to help you prepare for the new arrival.

On adoption day (which can be combined with the house visit), we deliver the cat to its new home and help it settle in. (This is particularly important if there is another cat in the household; our bringing in a stranger lets you off the hook as the bad guy.)

Spaying/neutering is almost always done in advance of the adoption, even with kittens. Every animal is current on shots, with complete vet records. Every animal, even siblings, have been individually tested for FeLV/FIV and given at least a general exam by our veterinarian. We also treat for fleas and other parasites. One can never guarantee the health of any living being, but we do our best to ensure that each animal is sound and socialized upon adoption.

After adoption, we contact you at least once, generally with a phone call, just to see that all is well and to address any questions or concerns. Then we leave you in peace to enjoy your new family member—though we love to hear reports and receive photos and cards for our scrapbooks!

We are always available to advise and assist adoptive parents in every way we can. And we want the animal back if the adoption just doesn’t work out, whatever the reason!

An adoption donation is required in virtually every case, to engage the owner’s responsibility and to help keep our program going. (We suggest a minimum of $50; this is still quite a bit below what we pay in expenses preparing your cat for you.)

Hope to hear from you! Thanks to all those Friends out there who care!