Hearts 4 Paws Adoption FAQ
- Are there any age restrictions for adopting a cat from Hearts 4 Paws?
- No. Anyone of any age should be able to enjoy a pet cat! Because cats are an adult commitment, we do require applicants under the age of 18 to list a co-adopter, and because cats can live up to twenty years of age, we also require applicants over the age of 65 to list a co-adopter.
- Are there any income restrictions for adopting a cat from Hearts 4 Paws?
- No. We do not have any sort of income check process, but adopters certify on official paperwork that they are willing and able to provide proper care for the cat for its entire life.
- Is there an application fee to apply to adopt a cat from Hearts 4 Paws?
- No.
- Does Hearts 4 Paws require a home visit before or after a pet is adopted?
- No. However, adopters certify on official paperwork that they will allow a home visit if requested by our rescue.
- Can I play with the cats at PetSmart?
- Yes! Approved adopters can interact with available cats any time the store is open, with advance coordination. If you aren't approved yet, apply to adopt today!
- I am interested in a specific cat. Can Hearts 4 Paws hold them for me?
- Yes! Approved adopters can ask us to hold a cat for up to a week for a nonrefundable $50 deposit. If there is a specific cat you would like, and you aren't approved yet, apply to adopt today!
- Is adoption first-come, first-served?
- No. While we do try to review applications in the order in which they are submitted, we also take into account the type of home that would match a certain animal's needs best, from other living companions to activity level and more. Hearts 4 Paws endeavors to find the best lifetime match possible for both pets and humans.
- How long will it take to process my adoption application?
- Our adoptions team is made up entirely of volunteers. We pick up paper applications from the PetSmart in Buzzard's Bay at least once a week, and we check our email daily. It may take a week or more to process your application, but you can speed up the process by giving your vet permission to speak with us and letting your landlord and personal references know we will be calling!
- What are Hearts 4 Paws' adoption fees?
- Our fees are generally structured as follows: $300 per cat or kitten, and $40 per small animal. Hearts 4 Paws may discount a pet's adoption fee if the pet has special needs or has an adoption sponsor, as well as at our discretion.
- Why does Hearts 4 Paws charge for adoptions?
- Getting pets ready for adoption can be an expensive process! Most cats that come into our rescue need to be spayed or neutered, tested for illnesses, and vaccinated for common diseases. Many of them have additional medical/dental needs, as well. Charging for adoptions allows us to ensure our cats are healthy and fixed before they go to their forever homes.
