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Adoption Criteria

What We Look for in Our Adopters

cat adoption criteria Pink Paws Bay Area

Our adoption criteria help us match cats and kittens with safe, loving homes across the Bay Area. We review each application carefully, considering the cat’s needs and the adopter’s ability to provide lifelong care.

Adoption Requirements

  1. Commitment to Lifelong Care
    Be prepared to provide food, a safe home, and routine and unexpected veterinary care throughout your cat’s life—a commitment that may last 15–20 years or longer.

  2. A Written Aftercare Plan
    Identify someone who agrees to care for your cat if you can no longer do so. Include their contact information and a brief description of their ability to provide care.

  3. A Safe, Stable Home
    Provide a cat-safe, pet-friendly home, with landlord approval if you rent.

  4. Veterinary and Financial Responsibility
    Be able to afford routine and emergency veterinary care. We may request a brief statement of financial resources.

  5. Adoption Interview and Home Assessment
    Participate in an interview about your lifestyle, pet experience, and plans for the cat’s care. A home visit or virtual assessment may also be required.

  6. Responsible Pet Ownership
    Agree to follow applicable animal welfare laws including requirements for humane treament under California Penal Code § 597.

Adopting a Kitten

Kittens under six months must be adopted in pairs or into a home with a playful resident cat close in age.

Application Process

  1. Submit an application. Complete our adoption application and include your written aftercare plan.
  2. Meet with our team. Participate in an interview so we can learn about your home, lifestyle, and plans for the cat’s care.
  3. Complete a home assessment, if requested. Our team may arrange a home visit or virtual assessment.
  4. Sign the adoption agreement. Once approved, review and sign the agreement outlining your responsibilities as an adopter.

Notes

We review each application with the cat’s long-term health, safety, and happiness in mind. We reserve the right to decline an application when we believe the adoption would not be in the cat’s best interests.

We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. Our adoption criteria are designed to be fair, consistent, and focused on the animal’s long-term welfare.

Interested in fostering instead? Learn how to become a volunteer.

For questions about adoption, please contact  pinkpawsftc@gmail.com