Are You Ready to Adopt a Cat?
ARF works hard to ensure that the cats we rescue will be placed into a suitable permanent home. Here are some requirements for potential adopters:
- 18 years or older
- Government issued photo ID and proof of current address if the address is different than that listed on the ID provided
- Your current pets are spayed/neutered
- Plan to adopt the cat into your own home
- Have never neglected or abused an animal, or surrendered a pet to a shelter, rescue organization or Humane Society
- Compassionate, with realistic expectations of newly adopted pets
- Kittens under the age of 6 months of age are strongly recommended to have a feline friend in their new home or be adopted with a buddy unless otherwise stated
- Intend for the cat to always remain indoors
- Attempt to modify clawing behaviour rather than declawing
- Financially able to care for your pet
- Abide by relevant municipal bylaws
- Permission for animals in your home
- Willingness to supervise children and animals at all times
- Consent of all household members
- Up-to-date vaccinations for current pets
ARF’s Cat Adoption Process
- Online Application: Applicants will need to complete the online adoption application. All applications will be reviewed and will be accepted based on the best fit for the cat. Potential adopters will be contacted within three (3) business days. Please note that our Adoption Team will be unable to respond to adoption and/or application inquiries while they work hard to make the best match between families and the cats.
- Best Fit: Once the application is reviewed, ARF will contact the Adoption Counsellor or foster home for the best matched cat(s). If they agree that it is a good match, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an phone interview and visitation of all household members with the cat(s).
- Adoption Hold & Wait Period: ARF does not facilitate same-day adoptions and all potential adopters must wait a minimum of one (1) overnight after the initial meeting before they can finalize their adoption. Final approval of adoptions is at the sole discretion of ARF and its agents, and is based primarily on the best possible match for both the cat and the adopter. We ask that all potential adopters respect this decision.
- Permanent Adoption: All necessary documentation must be provided at the time of adoption, as well as photo ID/proof of address. All adoption paperwork and fees must be completed and paid prior to the cat being released. All cats must leave in a secure plastic cat carrier.
- Follow-Up: Adopters can expect a follow-up email within a few weeks of adoption. This email is not intended to interfere or disrupt the new family, but to offer support to ensure the transition with the new pet is a smooth one. We have also collected a number of resources to help set up new families and their animals up for success.
- Out-of-Town Adoptions: We do facilitate out-of-town adoptions and process amendments are assessed on a case-by-case basis. We do not ship our animals.
Adoption Fees
What’s Included
Your adoption fee includes:
- spay/neuter surgery
- a tattoo or microchip
- up to date FVRCP vaccination
- rabies vaccination
- de-worming
- 6 week trial of pet insurance through Petsecure
Please note: FeLV/FIV test or vaccination is not included
- Kittens (less than 1 year old): $250
- Adolescent Cats (1 year to less than 6 years old): $200
- Adult Cats (6 years to less than 10 years old): $150
- Senior Cats (10 years old +): $100
- Designated Barn Cats: By Donation
- Multi-cat discount: Save $50 on additional cat adoptions within 30 days of initial adoption.
Please note: Adoption fees are non-refundable. Should an adopter become unable to keep an animal, they must contact ARF who will endeavour to remove the animal as soon as possible (space permitting); however, no refund will be issued.
