Cat Guardians, Inc

Lombard, Illinois

Cat Guardians does not employ euthanasia, except in extreme circumstances in which medical conditions are such that prolonging a cat's life would no longer be humane. Due to its no-kill policy, Cat Guardians is usually filled to its legal capacity of feline residents. Today, some 50 cats and a rotating population of kittens reside at Cat Guardians shelter. Although some cats and kittens are caged for their protection (due to illness, skittishness, aggression or their young age), most roam freely, having the freedom to play or nap in their choice spots.

Some of the cats, adorable though they are, have not been adopted or are considered unadoptable due to their advanced age or chronic medical problems. These cats are assured of a loving, permanent home at Cat Guardians.

The daily activities of the shelter are feeding the cats, administering medication, cleaning the litter boxes and the shelter, are performed with the help of volunteers and funded through supporters like you.

Phone: (630) 543-3395

E-mail: info@catguardians.org

Business Hours:
Our business hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm, and Tuesdays from 4pm to 8pm.

Directions
The shelter is located on St. Charles Road, just west of Westmore Ave. in Lombard, Illinois.

You can also meet some of our cats at the Elmhurst PetCo on Rt 83 on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month.

ALL adoptions will be conducted by appointment only. No exceptions. We apologize if this is an inconvenience to you, but due to our limited available volunteer base, we need to streamline our procedures.

Your completed application will be reviewed by approved personnel and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Since the goal is to get homeless animals adopted (no matter where they come from!) we would be happy to supply you with a list of other shelters that may have a shorter adoption process.

Our humane organization takes responsibility for stray cats who might otherwise not have a chance at adoption. Therefore we seek permanent, loving homes where our "special" cats can live a long, happy and healthy life. For this reason we must ask you to read, understand and follow the following policies and then answer the following questions on the adoption application which will enable us to determine your acceptability as a prospective adopter.

Adoption requirements

* You must be at least 21 years old with proper proof of age
* Current identification must show your correct address and telephone number
* If you are living with your parents, one of them must sign the Adoption Contract
* You must be able and willing to spend the time and money needed to feed, house, train and provide medical care for your cat
* You must be willing to allow an authorized representative of Cat Guardians to make an adoption follow-up either in person or by telephone.
* You must read carefully the terms of our Adoption Contract and be willing to agree to the terms.
* Finally, you must pay a non-refundable Adoption Fee by cash.

When You Have Decided to Adopt
After you have made the decision to add a new pet to your household, there are a few more steps to complete the process.

Important: All members of the household must come in prior to adoption.

Important: We do not do same-day adoptions. We require a minimum of a 24-hour waiting period before your new friend can go home with you. This is so you and your family can discuss the adoption and make sure that it is right for you, and also allow us time to complete all necessary paperwork.

FIRST
You must fill out an adoption questionnaire form. This form is reviewed by the adoption board, and you will be interviewed over the phone concerning your application. Phone interviews may be made between 1-10 days after submitting your application.

SECOND
The shelter requires proof that you are able to have a pet in your home. If you are a renter, we must see a copy of your lease stating that you are allowed to have pets. If you are a homeowner, we need proof that you are currently making mortgage payments.

THIRD
Adoption fees help to cover the cost of first vaccinations, spaying/neutering, feline leukemia-AIDS tests, and worming (which may cost up to $400 per cat!). Adoption fees are $120 kitten / adult cats affective as of May 1, 2007.
Important: All adoption fees must be paid in cash.

FOURTH
When you come to take your new friend home, you must bring a sturdy carrier. We cannot let any cat or kitten leave the shelter unless it is safely secured. The cat carrier can serve several different purposes for your new friend. It can be its personal bed, and it can be used when taking the cat to the vet or other trips outside the house. Your cat will be much safer and happier in a carrier.

FINALLY
Once approved as an adoptive parent/family, you will be given an appointment to pick up your new feline friend on a day we are not open to the public. Please allow 45 minutes for the adoption process.