Information for potential adopters
Thank you for allowing one of our volunteers to visit your home and discuss your application. Here is some important information:
- If the cat is going to be allowed outdoors, we advise waiting at least 6 weeks from adoption, and in the case of kittens, not until they have been neutered.
- We do not vaccinate cats in our care. However, if they have previously been vaccinated, we will inform you at the time of adoption. If the cat is going to be allowed outdoors, we strongly advise vaccinations are carried out (at owner's expense). We advise discussing options with a veterinarian.
- All kittens/cats usually leave our care microchipped; we arrange for details to be changed using the information provided on the adoption form. Paperwork will come direct from the microchip company and can take a number of weeks to arrive (keep an eye out for an email).
- Neutering is typically carried out on any cat old enough before they leave our care. For kittens adopted before this age, they are required to have this done once the kitten reaches the appropriate age - there is a list of partnered vet practices on the adoption form. If you use one of these practices, we cover the costs. If you prefer to use a different vet practice, we will not be able to cover the cost. You should take the adoption form to the vets to prove the kitten came from us, and to avoid being charged.
- All animals will have been flea/worm treated whilst in our care. The last date of treatment will be on the adoption form. It is important to continue this treatment, and we advise speaking to a veterinarian about suitable treatments.
- After adoption, we provide 5 weeks free insurance. It is then strongly advised that you consider taking out a policy to cover any future vet bills for illnesses or injuries.
- Any illness or problems identified in the first 7 days (with the exception of accidents/injuries) should immediately be reported to us, either by Facebook, message, or email. We will then cover the cost of any treatment, provided one of our partner vets are used. Any problems/ issues with the pet should be reported to Vicki or Jenna. As the Trustees, they are the only ones who can make decisions about the animals.
- In this event that you can no longer keep the cat, it must be returned to the charity and not passed on to a third party. As much notice as possible is required to find a suitable foster space.
- We require a non-refundable adoption fee of £90 per cat, or £50 for cats 10+ years old. We would prefer this to be paid by PayPal or bank transfer before collection. A screenshot of payment should then be forwarded to us.
- A cat box must be taken with you to collect the cat, if you do not have a secure box, the cat will not be allowed to leave its foster home. If you wish to purchase a second-hand box, we often have some for sale for £5, but this must be arranged in advance.
- We will not reserve a cat for more than 7 days, after 7 days the cat can be adopted by someone else.
- We cannot stress enough that it can take weeks or months for a cat to settle into a new home, some may settle immediately. Please get in touch with us if you are struggling and need advice, we are always here to help. We also have a Facebook group named HPNE Friends and Adopters, there are many people on there who have been through it all and can offer support.