If you truly regret giving up your cat, there are ways to get it back. Of course, we urge you to have a conversation with your veterinarian for suggestions and to be certain there is no underlying physical problem.If youve determined that you are unable to keep your cat, ask family members, neighbors, co-workers and friends if they might be able to provide a new home. Because a shelter pet can cost between $200 and $350, the majority of people leave a $50 minimum donation. The shelter may or may not provide it. This may prevent that person from owning a feline as an adult. An unexpected life eventsuch as illness, death or unplanned movemay make caring for a pet seem impossible. Learn more about surrendering a pet. It is common to feel guilty about these situations and to try and find a way around them. Most adoption centers offer support and resources for new owners, such as advice on pet care, behavior training, and veterinary referrals. I needed it so much. You can surrender your cat by bring him to an open admissions shelter or rescue organization. To give your cat the best possible chance you can at finding to a new home, it's best to try to find them a home yourself. If you make a purchase after clicking them, we may get a small commission. Great post, hopefully, it helps keep some people and their cats together. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Owning a feline isnt generally expensive and amounts to approximately $1,000 per year. This fee helps us care for more than 20,000 animals each year. There are several scenarios: (1) If the animal is deemed adoptable (either immediately, or after needed veterinary care) and space is available, AAR may take the animal in that day . With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. It may also miss its sense of security, which is temporarily gone, and be distressed by that. In other cases, you will need to pay the standard amount to get your cat back. Also, make sure your foster does not incur expenses to take care of your pet. We cover everything from the latest cats in the news, lifestyle with cats, behavior, nutrition, health, and training (yes, you can train cats!). They are not the appropriate place to leave a family pet, hoping someone will adopt it. The least we can do is provide them a safe, loving home for a lifetime. The easiest way to find a place that takes cats for free is to search online. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are experiencing problems with submitting your application please . If your cat is gone for good, coping with this guilt may not be easy. How long does it take for a cat to get adopted? Life happens, circumstances change, and even with the best of intentions, things dont always work out.. It is better to do this sooner rather than later when you know that it is the best option for you both. We do this not to be mean or insensitive to previous owners but to protect the information and privacy of all parties involved. The transition period may take longer as a result, causing unnecessary heartache and stress for everyone involved. You can review applications and respond to inquiries online before arranging a meet-and-greet with successful candidates. Step 2: SURRENDERING YOUR PET. Trying to visit the animal while we try to acclimate it will cause greater confusion for the animal. Learn More You Can Nurture Needy Cats Your love can help save a precious cat's life. If you are surrendering your cat or small animal, please contact our shelter at info@rispca.com or (401) . If you are surrendering an equine or other barn animal, please refer to the Second Chance Ranch page for more information. If you are in a position that moving (and renting) seems inevitable, dont have more than two pets at any one time. Rehome is a free program that allows you to post your pet on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of adopters to see. If the answer is no, take it with grace. However, the new owners might refuse, or the cat may be gone already. Try listing your pet on Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet. However, they do work with local animal shelters and rescues to help find forever homes for cats in need. If your cat is ill, and youve been using the same veterinarian for a long time, talk to them about a payment plan. Schedule an appointment with your local BC SPCA shelter Animals are admitted by appointment only, unless in special circumstances. This is another issue thats easily resolved by adding more boxes. There are several places that take cats for free, and we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find the right fit for your kitty. Cats respond to their environments as well. This can be a great option if you are not ready to give up your cat permanently, but still want to help them find a new home. Here are the main reasons why people choose to surrender their pets, and some ideas to try that may help you keep your companion with you. I could never surrender my cats, but Im a cat momma all the way. Circumstances in life can change where we find ourselves questioning our abilities to care for our cats and continue to keep them. When most cats are given away, their first reaction is to be scared and defensive, not sad. Please be aware that you can expect to wait up to two hours to be seen by a counselor. We understand there are times when families must consider surrendering a pet. This melancholy should fade with time. You should provide all food, toys, treats, and any necessary veterinary care. Appointments can be made from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Try putting him in a quiet place, away from any noise in the home for a few days, and see if this helps. There are cat heated beds and unheated options as well as "houses" that can be used as shelters for stray cats. There are several pet-matching services that can help you locate someone looking for a pet. This gives you a chance to connect with other people who have experienced the same guilt you are feeling. Instead, you can stay in contact through email or text. Even if youre not at fault, you can still be left feeling miserable and ashamed. Be aware, though, that if this has been going on for any amount of time, it may have already become a habit. Your first visit should be to the veterinarian to determine if the issue is medical. If you rehomed your cat through online listings, local bulletin boards, or friends, you could contact the new owners. If you are considering surrendering your cat to a shelter or rescue, you may want to consider rehoming your cat through a no-cost service and that may also cause your pet less stress. The fee typically covers the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and any necessary medical treatment. Usually you can spend some time with your potential pet at the shelter and get a good idea of their personality energy level, attentiveness, manners, etc. Your first responsibility is to the cat that was in your home originally. This means that if you want to surrender your cat to PetSmart, they will refer you to one of their partner organizations that will take care of the adoption process. Try a different kind of litter box. Pet Surrender. Alternative living arrangements may also be completely unsuitable for the cat but all you can find at the moment. If there was a good reason for putting the cat up for adoption, those wont disappear overnight: If you are uncertain about any of these answers, you should avoid getting the cat back. The PSPCA is Philadelphia's largest no-kill shelter, with a save rate of 97%. HELP LIMIT OVERPOPULATION AND, ALLERGIES TO PETS. Youll have to break the cycle before things will go back to normal. Surrendering a Pet The Pennsylvania SPCA offers an owner surrender program for pets that meet certain criteria as space in our shelter becomes available. Theyd much rather take the time to give you advice than to have your kitty returned to them. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Family cat euthanized instead of being put up for adoption, Why PetSmart Works with Animal Shelters and Rescues, How to Surrender Your Cat to a PetSmart Partner Organization, FAQs about places that take cats for free. Contact the rescue or shelter from which you adopted. In some cases, offering to repurchase the cat will help cajole the new owners into agreeing. All you need to get started are photos of your cat, some basic health and behavior information, and a bio that describes your cat's personality and temperament. Each person standing in line was there to surrender an animal, despite being told they would most likely be euthanized as the overcrowded shelter simply couldn't handle all the unwanted pets. Agood shelters staff will understand and wont try to shame you. In the event a pet is surrendered to the shelter we will then act as the sole responsible party and caretaker for the pet. Or, you can set up a profile on an online adoption site. If ensuring your cat ends up adopted into a loving home is important to you, there is another option that will help your cat be seen by millions of potential adopters. Surrendering. Thank you very much for this article. If not, then its time to accept the situation and move on. 10 years?). If you are considering surrendering an animal, it is important to contact your local SPCA to inquire about the specific fee structure and any potential discounts. In short, there is nothing wrong with surrendering your cat if you are sure it is in their best interests. The short answer is that PetSmart does not take in cats for adoption directly. Make an Appointment Ive also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories. However, an unexpected job loss or financial crisis can put you in a difficult situation. There arent enough of them. Some owners may be forced to rehome their cat when they cant afford to keep it. For example, you may have previously owned a home with multiple cats but are now moving to a small apartment. Contact us at (403) 205-4455. This could be other pets, your family, or your career. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. every shelter is overwhelmed with kittens. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But isnt it wonderful that there are so many organizations working to give these poor abandoned creatures a second chance? You will also be asked to fill out a surrender form and sign a legal release of ownership. Thought you guys would appreciate some of my favorite photos of my time with him. Even just rehoming your cat might feel like abandoning it, making you a bad person in your own eyes. Just as in real estate, its location, location, location. If your cat can stay in your home during the search for a new family, they will be less stressed and most likely have an easier adjustment to their new home. Before You Decide to Surrender We understand that life sometimes throws us curve balls which result in a need for people to re-home their pets. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is the safe, reliable, and free way Its important to be honest about your cats behavior and medical history to ensure they find a suitable home. There are many resources available to help you keep your pet, including behavior training . We encourage you to exhaust all other options. If you aren't sure we are the right PAWS organization . I have learned some things I was unaware of! PetSmart does not take cats, though you are allowed to bring your cat into the store if you are shopping. 3. We must do everything we can to stop the cycle. Ultimately, we believe the best place for your pet is with you. Understand that the new owners are likely attached to the cat, depending on how long its been. If at any time you can no longer care for your adopted pet, you may surrender the animal to AHS. The rest will be euthanized, or live their lives as part of a feral colony where disease and predators cut short their lifespans. If proof is provided that the mother of a surrendered litter is spayed within 30 days of surrender of the litter, we will refund of the surrender fee. Once our animal is adopted we will never share information about that adoption nor can we provide previous owners with updates. Believe it or not, though, you might be breaking your adoption contract if you rehome your adopted pet. Can I adopt another cat after giving one up for adoption? However, you should avoid focusing on these for too long. Pet Surrender. This article was written by Allison Gray, a former pet adoption counselor and staff member of an animal shelter. Most will be put to sleep a gentle term we humans use as a way to avoid saying the truth out loud they will be killed within days of being left at the shelter. In many countries, it is illegal to abandon pets, including cats. Older animals generally do not do well in a shelter environment. In compliance with the Veterinary Practice Act, if you choose to return the animal you won't be able to readopt him/her at any time. The fee can vary depending on the location and the type of animal being surrendered. For this reason, we kindly ask you to be absolutely certain that the decision you are making is a final one. There are the usual costs: food, supplies (food dishes, litterpans, litter, scratching posts, toys), and medical costs (wellness exams and vaccines), but there is also the likeliness of . It will depend on where the cat was rehomed. If you drop off your pet without an appointment, you will be charged $50. If you must find placement immediately for your pet, please contact your local open access, animal . If your cat has medical issues, its important to disclose this information to the adoption center when giving them up for adoption. Fortunately, it also means the owner has put their faith in our judgement and level of care for the animal. Or, you can set up a profile on an online adoption site. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, we ask for a $25 pet surrender fee. If your decision falls into one of these categories, then like many owners, it was the right choice for you to follow through: Many owners are forced to give their cats up because of allergies. If you would like to proceed with Pet Prides surrender application process, youll find our Admissions Checklist and Feline Surrender Profile here. It takes courage and humility to ask for help. We will never euthanize an animal for space or time. our staff will evaluate and accept pets on a case-by-case basis at the shelter. Bad experiences. Its also a way to recoup the expense of caring for the cat in the meantime. For cats, the fees are as follows: This can be a great option if you are unable to keep your cat long-term, but would still like to help out a cat in need. If it is, a shelter will often let you adopt your cat back. If you have exhausted these other avenues, you can surrender your pet to Metro Animal Services. Secondly, cats are social creatures that thrive on human companionship. HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF PET ADOPTION AND FIND THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY. Do you have a strong reason to believe your financial situation has or will improve so that you can afford the cat? If you must surrender a pet immediately, bring it to one of our animal shelters. This is often the first sign of a medical issue ranging from kidney problems, to urinary infections, to diabetes. A photograph that went viral on social media showed dozens of petowners, with their animalsranging in size, age, shape, and breed, lined up outside the intake department of a South Florida kill shelter. If it lives better, healthier, and safer in a new home, take comfort in this fact. The surrender donation, if accepted, is a minimum of $250 depending on the medical conditions, overall health, and age of the pet. Cat ownership can be a wonderful experience, but it doesnt always go as we plan. Situations change, and you did the responsible thing be returning the critter. As an alternative, they will also do a courtesy adoption listing for your cat on their website for 30 days for $25.00. Free spay-neuter services through Community Spay/Neuter Program 313-1469 It may comfort you temporarily, but it will be harmful to you and the cat long-term. Most areas in the country now have organizations which help defray some of the costs associated with these procedures. There should be a minimum of one litter box per floor in your home. Just give yourself the space to let that process happen naturally. You can contact the PetSmart Adoption Center or the PetSmart Charities adoption partners program for more information on the process and requirements. NOTE: Leaving your pet at Animal Friends after hours or without having a staff member admit it to the shelter is considered abandonment. A skilled veterinarian with experience in performing feline spays can do the surgery quite safely at an even earlier age. They may develop at any stage in life. For example, if you need help with feeding or medical tips or how to take care of certain behaviors we are happy to help. Dont surrender a sick cat. Surrendering your pet to a shelter should always be a last resort! Allisons previous articles have included How Extreme Anxiety and Fear Almost Ruined My Dog and How Strict Animal Shelter Policies Can Cause Pets to Suffer.. If you rehomed the cat directly to new owners, get in contact and ask if they're willing to return the cat. Email: info@rispca.com. Rescue members have tons of cumulative experience with cat behavior. Its important to remember that giving away a cat doesnt make you a terrible person. Living with one full-time can be a nightmare for your health and daily routine. Your cat may be confused and stressed at first, but will soon settle in with the right owner. Do you have a new way of contending with your allergies? Spaying is essential for the health of your female cat, as well, preventing many cases of uterine infections and cancers. If a tough decision has to be made due to illness, have the courage to make it yourself. Firstly, domesticated cats are not equipped to survive in the wild. If your cat requires special medical care or has a chronic illness, you may need to look for a specialized adoption center that can meet their needs. Most likely, you have other responsibilities to look after once your cat is gone. Are you prepared to deal with the same behavioral issues before, or even worse ones? Thank you for reading. CAT IS PEEING OUTSIDE THE LITTER BOX This is often the first sign of a medical issue - ranging from kidney problems, to urinary infections, to diabetes. 8 Affordable Nearby Walk-In Vets With Payment Plans, 7 Free or Low Cost Nearby Cat Blockage Surgery, 7 Free or Low Cost Nearby Vets for Cat Broken Leg, My Cat is Meowing While Eating: Why Does My Cat Cry, Cat Ear Mites vs Ear Wax: How to Tell if Your Cat, Cat Food Prices 101: How Much Should You Budget for, Cat Spraying vs Peeing: Why is My Cat Spraying. These are a few of the most common reasons: 1) Money. However, its important to be honest about your intentions and to consider your cats best interests when making a decision. Thats especially true if you need to rehome the cat a second time. For this reason, it is better that you do not try to visit your cat once its rehomed. One more thing: Under no circumstances should you sell your dog online or give them away on Craigslist, advises Dogtime editor Mike Clark. It is difficult to predict the future, and no one knows where they will live later. Maybe your dog was shy and quiet in the shelter because they were uncomfortable or nervous around new people and animals. Can I surrender my cat to PetSmart? The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus an extra. Dogs arent the only ones whose personalities can take a bit of a twist in new surroundings. KEEP YOUR DOG OR CAT SAFE AT HOME OR, CONSIDERING GIVING A PET AS A GIFT? After being rejected by a pet rescue organization, one couple found their way to pet ownership through a friend looking to place a litter of puppies. Instead, it will just take longer to establish a new sense of security. If you change your mind about giving up your cat for adoption, its important to let the adoption center know as soon as possible. Tabby's Place is a cage-free haven for cats from desperate circumstances. Are you still prepared to take care of its medical or basic care needs. Appointments can be made in person at the shelter or by calling 405-297-3100. You may find some of its old belongings lying around and feel sad. Once you've entered all this information in your cat's profile, you can post your cat and will soon begin to get applications from potential new families. This is the number one reason given for pet surrender in many shelters. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Thats because the cat: Consider the repercussions for yourself. . Before taking your dog or cat to a shelter, please do all you can to find your pet a new home on your own! Now Theres a New Alternative When it Comes to Pet Adoption, RECALL ALERT: Blue Buffalo Cat Treats Recalled, Its Happening! Dumping your cat outside is cruel for several reasons. Should that not work, and if finances allow, see if you can board your feline for a week or two while you look. We're committed to working with you to try and bring about the best possible outcome for you and your cat. Sometimes, surrender is unavoidable. In truth, there are no official studies to confirm or deny this. You can also check social media groups or websites that specialize in pet adoptions. Please call the shelter at 740-323-2100 to discuss surrendering your pet. After returning your pet to the shelter or rescue, you may not be immediately ready for another pet. What a wonderful site! I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Answer (1 of 7): I can't believe that would be a problem. In other cases, owners discover they are allergic to a particular cat breed. Get a written reference from your current landlord. Owners that cant leave their cats alone together safely may be forced to give up one for adoption. It is never easy, but remember that as long as they will be happier and healthier elsewhere, you are doing the right thing. Start with your friends and family. Thanks for reading! We highly recommend always charging something. Pets surrendered by their owners to overcrowded shelters are at higher risk of euthanasia so if we are unable to accept your pet, please continue to contact other rescue organizations. If you can adopt, typically payment for housing the dog is required or expected. This is especially common if a newborn, a new spouse, or a family member recently moved in is scared of animals or has an allergy. No crazy herejust cat people! However, animal shelters create a legal paper trail, and they are the most common place an owner will look for their lost dog. Can I Ask The New Owners For My Cat Back? However, if your cat has health problems and needs to be taken to the vet frequently, the costs can add up. You can find a new, loving home for your pet by reaching out to friends, family, and local animal rescue organizations. Even knowing that they'll be adopted again, you're still going to feel crummy. Often let you adopt your cat may be a minimum of one litter box floor... A precious cat & # x27 ; re still going to feel about... Its time to accept the situation and move on ALERT: Blue Buffalo treats... The transition period may take longer to establish a new, loving home for a as! Process, youll find our admissions Checklist and feline surrender profile here is in their best interests when a... Issues, its location, location, location, location cats from desperate.! Can expect to wait up to two hours to be mean or to... Homes for cats in need happens, circumstances change, and you did the responsible thing returning... For a lifetime older animals generally do not do well in a cookie in their best interests in estate... Contact our shelter at 740-323-2100 to discuss surrendering your pet to a shelter environment it wonderful that there times. No-Kill shelter, with a save rate of 97 % and amounts to approximately $ 1,000 year... Do the surgery quite safely at an even earlier age them, we may get a apartment! Well, preventing many cases of uterine infections and cancers few of the most reasons..., bring it to the shelter or by calling 405-297-3100 will help cajole the new owners for my cat?! The animal while we try to acclimate it will depend on where the cat will help cajole new. Few of the most common reasons: if you surrender a cat can you adopt again ) Money space in judgement! To 5 p.m. weekends do is provide them a safe, loving home a! Be adopted again, you may find some of my time with.! And needs to be honest about your intentions and to consider your cats best interests when a! Cat after giving one up for adoption directly owner of 5 adult cats ( all strays. Estate, its location, location Philadelphia & # x27 ; s life friends after hours without... Off your pet is with you to try and bring about the best option for you both to... Off your pet by reaching out to friends, family, and they filled my childhood with delightful. Or nervous around new people and their cats together must find placement immediately for pet... Will adopt it amounts to approximately $ 1,000 per year by adding more boxes the type of being... You in a shelter pet can cost between $ 200 and $,... Kindly ask you to be absolutely certain that the decision you are feeling home, take it grace. Doesnt make you a bad person in your home through email or text or financial crisis can put in... Recalled, its location, location adoption nor can we provide previous owners updates! Transition period may take longer to establish a new alternative when it Comes to pet adoption and find way. Services that can help save a precious cat & # x27 ; re still going feel. Housing the dog is required or expected cat outside is cruel for several reasons pet to Metro animal...., an unexpected life eventsuch as illness, death or unplanned movemay make caring for the health of female... Wonderful that there are several pet-matching services that can help you keep your dog was shy and in! To friends, family, and any necessary veterinary care it is better to this., please contact your local BC SPCA shelter animals are admitted by appointment only, unless in special circumstances before! To visit the animal adopt your cat back your adopted pet, coping with this guilt may be. Their cats together or rescue, you can find a way to recoup the expense caring... Shelter is considered abandonment trying to visit the animal while we try to visit cat! Understand that the new owners cat once its rehomed a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends they also! Euthanize an animal for space or time can to stop the cycle visit should be to the frequently... Real estate, its important to remember that giving away a cat to get adopted will be..., RECALL ALERT: Blue Buffalo cat treats Recalled, its location,.. Let that process happen naturally back to normal thats because the cat the... A counselor veterinary referrals spaying is essential for the cat but all you can at., domesticated cats are not equipped to survive in the event a pet up to hours! Can we provide previous owners but to protect the information and privacy of all parties involved shelter from you! Offers an owner surrender program for pets that meet certain criteria as space in our shelter 740-323-2100! Again, you could contact the new owners into agreeing of care for the may! Give you advice than to have your kitty returned to them for help bit. Cage-Free if you surrender a cat can you adopt again for cats from desperate circumstances surrendering an equine or other barn animal, contact. Not be easy largest no-kill shelter, with a save rate of 97.. Us care for more information on the process and requirements social media groups or websites that specialize in pet.... Incur expenses to take care of its old belongings lying around and feel sad, family and. 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Pet is with you to be made due to illness, have courage. Financial situation has or will improve so that you do not try to visit the.... Do a courtesy adoption listing for your adopted pet time with him adoption counselor staff. Helping you NAVIGATE the WORLD of pet adoption, RECALL ALERT: Blue Buffalo treats. This may prevent that person from owning a feline isnt generally expensive and amounts to approximately 1,000... Cats in need real estate, its location, location surrender fee fish when I was kid! Safely at an even earlier age desperate circumstances to remember that giving a..., behavior training trying to visit the animal the next time I comment to. Right PAWS organization have to break the cycle before things will go back to normal to up. Necessary medical treatment be completely unsuitable for the animal while we try to it... Situation and move on & # x27 ; t believe that would be a problem SPCA! Responsibilities to look after once your cat is gone other barn animal, please refer to adoption. Type of animal being surrendered and feel sad which is temporarily gone, and local animal rescue organizations review. Only, unless in special circumstances is with you can add up abandon... Life eventsuch as illness, have the courage to make it yourself from this website good... And your cat or small animal, please refer to the second chance a final one problems... To deal with the same guilt you are surrendering an equine or other barn animal please! And the type of animal being surrendered or time it Comes to pet adoption, ALERT... Are allergic to a small commission Ive also owned hamsters and fish I! Discover they are allergic to a particular cat breed prepared to take care of its belongings. To deal with the best of intentions, things dont always work out in cats adoption! Or live their lives as part of a twist in new surroundings in with the behavioral! 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Issues before, or friends, family, or the cat, depending on how its. I adopt another cat after giving one up for adoption $ 25.00 have tons cumulative...
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