I've started the process of adopting a cat. I’d like to go through a rescue centre or a charity because it’s the right thing to do, but I’m feeling a bit lost with all the adoption requirements and the "vetting" process for potential owners.
I completely understand why they ask for information and why charities want responsible owners, especially given how difficult their work is and the number of animals being abandoned. So, I’m more than happy to provide details like who lives in my home, the type of property, how I've cat-proofed the windows, my experience with cats, etc.
However, I really feel like some of the conditions are a bit over the top.
For example: many charities ask about future plans, particularly about moving house. I don’t plan on moving right now, but it’s definitely possible in the next few years. If I do move, my cat is coming with me. I don’t want an adoption contract to "forbid" me from moving or feel like I have to justify myself just because they want to keep tabs on the cat...
Another example: the right to visit. I’m not at all against a volunteer popping by once or twice after the adoption by appointment. But I can’t commit to allowing a home checker into my house without notice as many times as the charity feels like.
These rescue contracts seem to give the charities an awful lot of power. Plus, there are so many different rescues out there that it’s hard to know which one to go with, especially since they don't share their contracts until the very end of the process.
It’s all quite discouraging; I certainly wasn’t expecting this. :(
What are your experiences with this? Thanks!
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Hi, I’ve started looking into adopting a cat. I’d really like to go through a rescue centre or a charity because it feels like the right thing to do, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the adoption conditions and the level of "vetting" involved. I completely understand that they need to ask for information and that they want to find responsible owners, given how hard their job is and the number of pets being abandoned. So, I’m more than happy to provide details about my household, the type of home I have, how I’ll cat-proof the windows, my experience with cats, and so on.
But I really feel like some of the requirements are a bit over the top. For instance, a lot of rescues ask about future plans, particularly about moving house. I don’t plan on moving right now, but it’s definitely possible in the next few years. If I do move, my cat is coming with me. I don’t want a rescue contract "forbidding" me from moving or making me feel like I have to constantly report back under the guise of post-adoption follow-up. Another thing is the home visits. I wouldn’t mind a volunteer popping by once or twice after the adoption by appointment, but I can’t agree to let a home visitor into my house whenever they feel like it without an appointment. These rescue contracts seem to give the organisations an incredible amount of power. On top of that, there are so many different charities out there and it’s hard to know who to go to, especially since they won't show you the contract until the very end of the process. It’s all quite discouraging; I certainly wasn't expecting this. :( What are your experiences with this? Thanks!
Hi! I’ve got some kittens to give away—two calicos and a tortie—near the South East if you’re interested.
Hi Myra.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, I was actually just looking into the RSPCA... it doesn't sound very encouraging, so I think I’ll give it a miss. I still haven't found my cat yet, but I'm not giving up hope...
I also think that, more and more, some rescue charities are being counter-productive by trying a bit too hard, which ends up putting off potential adopters who have the best intentions.
I recently had a bad experience with a well-known animal foundation. I wanted to adopt a cat and there were several on their website that I was interested in (they have so many). I happily answered all their questions and, as requested, sent over photos of my home and garden. Several weeks passed with no news. I chased them up two or three times, and each time I was told it took time because the application had to be reviewed by several managers, but that it was looking positive – especially as I was looking for a senior cat (which are less in demand).
This gave me some time to look for reviews and stories online. I was shocked to find out that the foundation’s policy was not to transfer official ownership on the national microchip database, which is actually illegal (I checked). Obviously, they don’t mention this upfront, and by the time adopters find out, they already have the animal in their arms and don’t want to go back on it. The foundation basically keeps control of the pet and can take it back at any time if they don’t like something. I’ve read accounts online from adopters who have really been through the mill because of this.
When I called the foundation back, they confirmed this was their practice, so I told them it was unacceptable and to close my file. I know other smaller rescues are starting to follow suit. Moral of the story: it’s a question you should ask right from the start. It’ll save you wasting time and dreaming about pets that will never actually be yours.
Luckily, there are other organisations out there. That’s how I ended up getting my lovely Lotus from an RSPCA shelter in mid-July, and a month later, I had the official ownership papers in my name.
@Blue Cat: Thanks for sharing your experience. :) It’s put my mind at rest a bit.
The first few stages being all online forms feel very impersonal, which just makes it feel even more daunting. I really hope that once that's done, everyone acts in good faith so everything goes smoothly!
@Pimou
Having volunteered for a rescue myself, I can definitely reassure you. These tough questionnaires are only designed to put off irresponsible owners, and God knows there are plenty of them... There’s a certain amount of intimidation involved. As long as you’re honest during the adoption process and don’t get too defensive about all the questions, everything will go smoothly.
A rescue centre can never force an "unannounced visit" on you, unless there’ve been complaints from neighbours. Even then, you aren’t obliged to open your door unless the situation has escalated to the point where the rescue has the police with them.
Regarding the possibility of moving, just tell them you have no plans to move house. Full stop.
Yes, absolutely. Make yourself a reminder for the next visit as it’s really important that your little one is registered in your name. Stick a post-it note on their vaccination record; that’s what I do now, otherwise I often forget to ask something.
@Ulalie, I saw on the microchip database website that if the shelter or rescue hadn't already sorted everything out, I could ask the vet for a change of ownership form. I’d just need to fill in my details and send it off to the registry with the adoption certificate and a cheque for about £5. I always seem to forget whenever I’m at the vet's, though; I’ll have to make sure I remember when he goes in for his jabs in October 2021.
Thanks for your replies.
I've had a look at the RSPCA but so far there hasn't really been an advert that's caught our eye or where we’ve had a "feeling" about. We’re also being very careful with the descriptions of the cat's temperament because we want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. I’m going to try my luck with a few local rescues, and just hope that everyone is being upfront...
Mind you, it doesn't seem right that the change of ownership hasn't been updated on the microchip database!! That isn't even legal, is it?
I went through a local rescue to adopt my last cat, and I gave them so much information before they even had a chance to ask that they didn't end up questioning me at all. I was open to everything—home visits, meet-and-greets—it was no trouble for me, and in the end, they trusted me completely. I’ve stayed on excellent terms with his foster carer, as she was the one who gave the green light for the adoption. I send her regular updates and all is well.
I do wonder if some rescues set the bar really high just to weed out people who aren’t willing to be completely transparent. I can understand it, as they want to avoid the animal being abandoned again. That said, some of them border on an interrogation; in those cases, you’re better off going to a different rescue—there’s no shortage of them.
My cat wasn't officially mine until three months in. There was a month-long trial period first, since I already had other pets and needed to see if they’d all get along, and then the time it took to get the paperwork sorted with the microchip registry to get him in my name—it takes ages.
You’ll have to give them a nudge, @Yume, if the cat still isn’t in your name; that’s not right.
