My name is Philomena!

Companions in Waiting takes special measures to ensure that the pet you choose is the best match for you and your family. The following adoption procedures have been set up to up to help us determine that.

If you would like to proceed with an application complete and sign our Cat Adoption Application form or Dog Adoption Application form so CIW can begin the adoption process.

Visits to the foster homes prior to an adoption are strongly encouraged. A CIW volunteer specializing in adoptions will then talk to you in person and/or by phone in the next day or two.

Please note: CIW does not support same-day adoptions. Potential adopters need sufficient time to decide whether this is the right animal companion, if they are truly able to make a long-term commitment as well as to prepare for the arrival of the new companion animal.

The animal is delivered to the adoptive home by a CIW volunteer. The adoption is finalized with the signed Adoption Contract between the adopter(s) and CIW.

There will be follow-up phone calls or visits from a CIW volunteer to make sure both companion animal and human are getting along fine!

Prospective adopters should be aware that:

- A $100 donation is requested per animal. This helps defray the cost of feeding, housing, and providing medical care to our animals.

- All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated (except rabies) and cats & kittens tested for feline leukemia.

We have adoption fairs most weekends in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Half Moon Bay. See our website for the schedule: http://companionsinwaiting.org/meet/fairs.php

Companions in Waiting began in 2003, and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 California non-profit corporation in 2007. Our mission is:

- To prepare animals to become life-long members of a family.

- To support companion animals and their owners through educational materials, individual behavioral problem solving, workshops and community activities.

- To work with local county animal services to help those animals in their care that need longer term specialized care than county facilities can provide.

Companions In Waiting works to help dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies become welcomed members of a family. Each animal goes through a program of "in home" socialization, animal good manners, beginning obedience training and other therapies designed especially for them that will nurture their physical and mental well-being while in our care.

Potential adopters will be given guides to support, develop and enhance their relationship with the new member of the family. Follow-up communication will increase the likelihood that these companion animals will stay in a stable, loving home their entire lives.

Companions In Waiting is a California corporation for charitable and educational purposes. The corporation has tax-exemption status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations to Companions in Waiting are tax-deductible.