Featured Furbaby:

Shelter Animals Count | The National Database Project

The Animal Rescue Site

Visit 1-800-PetMeds to purchase your new pet's flea and tick medications!

 

The first step to adopting any animal in our program is to fill out an Adoption Application here.  Once your application is received, an adoption counselor will process your application and coordinate a meeting with the animal(s) you are interested in. Please do not submit more than one application. 

 

ADOPTION FAQS:

 

How Can I Meet an Animal That I am Interested in Adopting?

You should first fill out the adoption application. Your adoption counselor will then process your application and coordinate a meeting with the animal that you are interested in. Often, we can arrange for the animal you’re interested in to attend one of our weekend events. Due to the fact that most of our cats are in foster homes, we typically cannot arrange a special meeting until your application has been approved. 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt?

As of June 1, 2015, our adoption fees are as follows: 

  • Kittens (younger than 1 year): $120 each or $220 for a pair 
  • Adult Cats (1-4 years): $110 each or $200 for a pair
  • Cats 5 years and older or Special Needs/FIV+/FeLV+: $50 each or $75 for a pair

All of our animals receive:

  • Rabies vaccination
  • FVRCP vaccines  
  • Feline Leukemia vaccines (most groups don't offer this, but it is now part of the standard care that we provide to our cats)
  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Microchip
  • Testing for FIV and FeLV

It is a good idea to check out costs associated with animals before adopting. Adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment, and there are many elements to the total expense and responsibilities (including planning for your pet should anything happen to you).

Note that this is the first investment in the ongoing cost of pet ownership. For more information about the financial commitment you will be taking on, we recommend this article      Pet Economics  .

 

How Do I Apply to Adopt an Animal?

To adopt one of our foster animals, please fill out the adoption application found here: Adoption Application.  The application has been designed to help us make the best possible match for adopters and animals in our program.

The application will ask if you are interested in a specific animal and give you a list to choose from. If you are interested in more than one animal, please write the names of any other animals you are interested in in the “comments” section of the application.

Once we receive your application, you will get an emailed confirmation that we received your application. An adoption counselor will typically be in touch to discuss your application within 48 hours. Adopting from us makes you part of our Calvin's Paws Family; we want to be sure that you know that we are an informational and supportive resource for you to contact us anytime.

 

Why Should Kittens Be Adopted in Pairs or With a Mentor Cat?

If you are considering adopting a kitten, please take a moment to read this article on kitten development Why Young Kittens Should be Adopted in Pairs . We typically do not allow a kitten younger than 4 months old to be adopted alone unless there is already another cat in the house. Young kittens that are adopted alone tend to have a higher incidence of behavior problems (such as scratching, biting, and destructive behavior) because they did not learn proper social skills from other cats. Two kittens really are less work than one – they will entertain each other, and are more likely to play with each other than try to climb your drapes!

 

How Long Does This Process Take?

Once your application is received, it will be forwarded to a specific adoption counselor. To make the process go as fast as possible, please make sure to answer all questions on the application thoroughly. The day that applications are received may affect the counselor's ability to reach persons indicated on your application (i.e. your vet on the weekends). The full processing of your application may take a few days, but if you have not heard from someone within two business days please send us an email to check on the status.

 

When Can I Take My Animal Home?

As soon as your application has been approved and an adoption counselor can arrange a time that works for the adopter and a volunteer to meet up and complete the adoption. The whole process typically takes no longer than a week.

 

If I See an Animal at an Adoption Event or on the Website, How Can I Take It Home?

The first step is always to fill out an adoption application on our website. Indicate the animal you are interested in on the application.

 

How to Prepare for Your New Furry Family Member:

How to Introduce Your New Pet to Other Family Members:

Introducing Cats:

Introducing Cats to Children:

Introducing Cats and Dogs:

 

What If It Does Not Work Out With My New Adoptive Animal?

While we strive to help you find the perfect match for your home and family, occasionally your new friend is not an appropriate fit. Always call or email Calvin's Paws with any questions that you have about your new animal. If you feel that the placement is not working, contact Calvin's Paws for the return of the animal. We will happily work with you to see if we have another animal that may fit in your home.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ADOPTION FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE.