Adoption process

Adoption is the ultimate goal for the majority of cats in our care. Here is an overview of our adoption process and what to expect!

Our goal is to help adopters find a perfect match and give our cats the best possible chance of finding a permanent, safe and loving home that meets their individual needs. The adoption questions we ask enable us to better assist an adopter with matching their needs and desires with the needs of our available cats. Our process includes questions about an adopter's living situation, pet history, current pets, the type of cat they are looking for and the way for which it will be cared. We’re not just being nosy! Some of our cats are good with kids, get along with other pets and/or are appropriate for first-time cat owners. Others may have special needs, behavioral problems or would be more appropriate for an experienced cat owner.

That being said, when it's a good fit - it's a good fit! We don't aim to create unreasonable barriers to adopting, which is why we are able to do same-day adoptions in most cases. Interested adopters are welcome to reach out to our adoptions team at adoptions@heavenlypets.org if they have questions!

Basic adoption requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid government-issued I.D.

If someone meets our basic adoption requirements and is interested in adopting your foster cat, they'll need to:

• Fill out an application online: https://heavenlypets.org/adoption-q/
• Schedule a meet and greet either at your home, or at one of our adoption locations (see below)
• Speak with a member of our adoptions team by phone or in person to review their application
• If approved to adopt, sign an adoption contract & pay an adoption fee
• Once all steps have been completed, then you can celebrate! The adopter should have their own cat carrier to transport the cat from your home (or one of our adoption locations) to their home.

Please note:

You may not transfer the care of your foster cat to anyone without the knowledge and written approval of Heaven on Earth senior staff. Adopted cats can be picked up by their new adopter only once all paperwork has been signed and we have confirmed the receipt of both the signed contract and adoption fee payment.

Every cat is different. Some are not bothered by change and some are sensitive to it. Hopefully you'll have a good idea of how your foster cat might adjust to a new home, having gone through the process yourself! Here are some tips for a smooth transition:

• If your cat dislikes going into a travel carrier, or becomes easily stressed, place the travel carrier in the open several days prior to adoption. This will allow your foster cat to become desensitized to its presence. You can also place a cozy blanket & treats in the carrier. Leave the door open (or take it off) and let the cat move freely in and out of the carrier.
• If the adopter plans on feeding the cat different food, make sure you give them enough of your food to slowly transition them over the course of 1.5 weeks. Or, you can ask the adopter to give you a few cans of food to do the transition yourself. Here's a general transition outline:
  • Day 1 - 3: feed 3/4 old food with 1/4 new food
  • Day 4 - 6: feed 1/2 old food with 1/2 new food
  • Day 7 - 9: feed 1/4 old food with 3/4 new food
  • Day 10+: feed new food only
• If possible, have something that smells like the cat's new home - like an old t-shirt, blanket, etc. from the new adopter and place it in a high-value area, like where the cat sleeps or eats. Once the cat is ready to leave, provide the new adopter with an item that smells familiar from your home - a blanket, favorite toy, etc.
• The day-of, try to keep as calm as possible. If you're stressed about your foster cat leaving, the cat will be too! Also understand that it's a big day for the adopter. Make the transition celebratory and positive. Also make sure to give the adopter some space over the next couple weeks as they adjust. You're welcome to swap contact info (if the adopter agrees), but be respectful of their time and privacy. Emphasize that you're there as a resource if they need anything, but otherwise leave it up to them to send updates & photos.
• If you're feeling the empty nest blues, just let us know! We'd be happy to send another foster cat your way.