Opinions needed on how to "run" my rescue!!!

[Russian Blue]

Originally posted by slick
We do mandatory follow-up for a couple of months after adoption. We also give the prospective parents an opportunity to "foster" if they have any doubts at all. The parents must sign an adoption contract stating that if, for any reason, they no longer want the kitty, he/she must be returned to us. Hope this helps.

I cannot stress the importance of follow up to the adoption. One person I know who also does this, did not follow up. To make a long story short, she ended up taking two cats back after seeing the home they were living in! She did charge a fee, but the place was a dump, where the litter was never cleaned, dirt everywhere etc. It was heartbreaking, and the cats were just terrified.

Another thing I recommend is to ask if the person is renting or owns their home. If they are renting, request a letter from the landlord stating that the animal is approved under their rental contract. Many people take animals, and then have to give them up because they are breaching the contract. Other landlords will only accept cats who are declawed! So it's important to find out the living situation.

Another reason to charge a fee is to deter people who are trolling the classified ads for 'animal stock' for labratory experiments.


The last thing is to provide the new owner with information and prepare them for possible future costs (medical bills, food costs, litter etc). Many people do not know how much vets charge till after the animal comes home and then cannot pay for them. This can all be done in the interview stage.

It was a great suggestion to get a vet reference since most of the above concerns will be answered!


Good luck !!