- 3 STEPS TO ADOPTION: 1) Online Adoption Application. Please reads our Terms & Conditions, and then fill out our online adoption application form. If your online application is approved, then 2) a Phone Interview would be the next step to talk about any kitties of interest and also get to know your family a bit more (only applicable for families out of state OR those not able to do the initial required visit to meet the kitty of interest. NOTE: For out of state applicants: There will be a special process requiring an overnight local stay where you visit the kitties the first day, and then both Faithful Paws and your family have overnight to consider whether it is a good fit for the "kitty" of interest . We do not approve all families. 3) Onsite Visit: Prior to adoption, you will be required to meet all kitties that are currently available. 4) Deposit: After choosing your kitty, we require a 50% deposit to hold him/her until pickup, with the balance due the day prior to Adoption Day. Both payments need to be completed through secure online payment via Paypal. Please note that we no longer accept cash payments for deposits or balances.
- You AGREE that the information in your Adoption Application is 100% accurate, including your age, where you live, history, number and types of pets, photos are from your home, etc.
- Adoption Fees: Our standard adoption fees for kittens range from $275 - $350, and adult cats are $200 - $300. These fees only cover a small portion of what it costs to bring kitties here (if transport is required from out of state locations), cover all vet appointments (including spay/neuter), microchipping, disease testing and food. The fees may be higher as well depending on whether the kitty needed treatment or more care for an illness, etc. from our veterinarian.
- Preferences: Sometimes families will visit and be drawn to one particular kitten for its look, coloring, etc. but we actually find that a lot of people will end up choosing a completely different kitten that better matches the personality and temperament that they are looking for, as all kitties are so different. There's also a connection where both the family and the kitty are naturally drawn to each other, and it's a beautiful thing! This is why the initial visit is so important. When families are looking for a very specific color or breed, it is challenging in rescue work as that is not the focus of what we do. Our focus is on rescuing kitties from all different types from bad situations, and our adoptive families generally come out to meet and consider all of the kittens that are available.
- You agree that this kitty is being adopted as a loved family member and will be INDOOR ONLY. You agree to provide the kitty with constant fresh water, wholesome cat food at least twice daily, indoor shelter and lots of affection.
- Safe Environment: Adopter will provide a safe environment including screens on windows, chemicals, pesticides, toxic cleaners, etc. locked away. If Adoptee is a kitten, toilet lids will be kept closed. Guests should be informed to not let the cat out!
- You agree you will NOT declaw the cat/kitten you have adopted from Faithful Paws Rescue (also termed "Rescue" in these conditions).
- You affirm that no member of your household has ever been convicted or charged with any animal welfare law violation such as neglect, cruelty, abandonment, etc.
- Vet Care: The kitty will be examined by your licensed veterinarian within 10 days after adoption and will be provided with medical treatment as needed. You agree to keep all age appropriate vaccinations current. Any veterinary problems that may arise, including serious illness requiring emergency care or surgery is your responsibility and that you will be responsible for all related costs.
- Transportation: The cat will be properly restrained, preferably using a secured crate or carrier when transported in any vehicle.
- You agree that Faithful Paws Rescue cannot guarantee the future health or temperament of the kitty you adopt and is not legally responsible for any problems or expenses incurred because of health, temperament, or behavior issues that may occur with the kitty once he/she is in your home.
- Change of Information: You will notify Faithful Paws Rescue of all changes of address and/or telephone within 30 days after the change.
- You understand that the adoption fee is non-refundable, regardless of how long you have the kitty in your possession, even if you are not able to keep the kitty or if you return the kitty to Faithful Paws Rescue for any reason.
- You agree to accept responsibility and ownership of the cat at your own risk and you release Faithful Paws Rescue, its owners, officers, directors, members, employees, representatives, agents or assigns from any and all liability arising out of possession and ownership of the kitty. You agree that you are assuming total financial responsibility for the kitty as of the date of this contract. The Rescue will not be held responsible for any damages or expenses (veterinary or other) incurred during ownership of the kitty.
- You acknowledge that the Rescue may not be held liable should the cat bite or injure a person or another animal. You accept full liability for the cat, recognizing the potential issues that may arise with any animal.
- If at any time in the future you cannot continue to provide proper care for the kitty, you will NOT abandon, give or sell the kitty to another person, company, organization, medical research, friend or family, pound or animal shelter. You agree to do one or more of the following:
- Obtain approval from Faithful Paws Rescue to transfer the ownership of the kitty to a friend or relative. Rescue must approve the new adopter who will be required to sign an agreement similar to this one.
- Pay to board adoptee for an agreed-upon time, allowing Faithful Paws Rescue up to one week to actively seek a new home and then relinquish the kitty to Rescue when a home is found. (Boarding costs vary from $10 to $25 per day)
- Return Adoptee to Rescue—Adopter agrees to give Rescue up to five business days notice prior to returning adoptee in order for Rescue to secure boarding, and will provide safe and loving care of the Adoptee until it is returned.
- Estate Provisions: Adopter agrees to provide for care of the kitty in their will or estate if by no other means than specifying in writing that Adoptee is to be returned to Faithful Paws Rescue in the event of Adopter’s death.
- Lost Cat: You agree to make an immediate and serious effort to find the cat if it becomes lost, by (a) contacting Faithful Paws Rescue immediately 2) filing lost reports with the local police, animal control authorities, animal shelters, local veterinarians, etc (3) post lost cat signs (4) place lost cat ads in your local paper and on Craigslist, local community groups, etc. Furthermore, Adopter understands that if the loss was the result of negligence or failure to comply with the covenants of this Agreement, Faithful Paws Rescue reserves the right not to return the kitty and may place adoptee into a new home.
- Follow Up: Adopter understands and agrees that Faithful Paws Rescue is fully entitled to make follow-up visits or phone calls to ascertain that all of the covenants and clauses of this agreement are being satisfied. Adopter is obligated to cooperate with Faithful Paws Rescue.
- Refusal: We reserve the right to halt the adoption process for ANY reason, and at any point in the process. We are looking for the best possible fit, and appreciate your patience as we have lots of inquiries and applications coming in about specific kitties.
- Right to Reclaim: Adopter understands and agrees that Rescue reserves the right to reclaim adoptee if any of the above conditions are not met to the satisfaction of Rescue. Adopter further understands and agrees that any expenses incurred by Rescue in exercising its rights under this provision will be paid by Adopter in addition to any liquidated damages required by other provisions of this Agreement.
- No Warrantee: Rescue makes no warranty as to the temperament or physical condition of the Adoptee once he/she leaves our property.
- Special Disclaimer: All warranties with regard to Adoptee, including any implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, where they are applicable, are hereby specifically disclaimed.