Adoption Counseling

Volunteers who would like to match our cats with potential owners can be trained on adoption counseling.

  • Check cage card for potential issues and advise on choosing a different cat if there is a better fit.

  • Inform the prospective adopter of any medical concerns and that they can apply the free vet consultation offer to get a second opinion if they wish.

  • Give them the cage card (in sleeve) and any other attached medical notes and ask them to complete an Adoption Application form (GA room).

  • Review the completed application and clarify any concerns you might have about the adopter (e.g., unrealistic cost expectations, wants to declaw).

If the prospective adopter prefers to communicate in Spanish and you are not proficient in the language, refer the visitor to the Front Office for counseling.

The Cat Adoption Packet includes:

  • Application

  • Cat Adoption Handbook, including information on free vet consultation

  • Ziploc bag of dry food for transition

  • Coupons from Pet Supplies Plus and Pet Food Express

  • Medical booster shots handout

  • Post-surgical advice handout

  • If applicable, insert “Overstimulation in Cats” (copies found in volunteer closet)

Review Adoption Handbook with adopter:

  • In Table of Contents, point out relevant information to adopter.

  • Always cover “Introducing a Cat to a New Home” and “Preventing Litter Box Problems.”

  • Summarize other chapters (“Introduction of cat to other cats, dogs, kids”) if applicable.

  • Point out page for free vet consultation at end of handbook (need to call within 1-2 weeks).

  • Request that they contact us if they have questions or any difficulty; point out our contact information.

Ask if they have any questions:

  • Ask if they have a carrier or would like to use one of our cardboard carriers.

  • Send adopter to Front Office with completed application and cage card (in sleeve with any other attached notes).

Front Office staff will:

  • Run a computer check on the prospective adopter.

  • Print and review the cat’s medical history.

  • Dispense medication and instruct use if applicable.

  • Assist in filling out microchip packet.