Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah

Additional adoption info

Adoption Policies

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 Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah 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.

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.

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

You must fill out an adoption application. Your completed application will be reviewed by approved personnel and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

To ensure happy, successful life-long adoptions for cats and adopters alike, Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah adopts according to the policies below.

Indoor-Only: Because cats live much longer, safer lives indoors, Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah adopts to indoor-only homes.

In rare cases (typically when cats have persistent behavioral problems, such as inappropriate elimination, for which Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah veterinary staff have found no physical cause), cats may be approved to go to an indoor/outdoor home. Those adopting cats designated for possible indoor/outdoor homes go through Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah's normal adoption process and sign a contract specific to indoor/outdoor situations.

Declawing: Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah asks adopters not to declaw adopted cats. Your adoption counselor can provide information about the detriments of declawing, humane alternatives, and how to train a cat to use a scratching post.

Kittens: Kittens must be 4 months old before they are available for adoption. This ensures that kittens receive a strong, healthy start in life and minimizes behavior problems because they are fully weaned and litter box trained. All kittens are spayed or neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption.

Kittens under six weeks of age are listed on Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah' foster care list but are not available for viewing.

Renting with Cats: Since we want to make lifelong placements for our cats, we ask that adopters make sure their landlord allows cats and to pay any pet deposits in advance of adopting.

Cats as Gifts: Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah has gift certificates available for those wishing to give a gift adoption. Please note that adopters (the adult or adults with whom the cat will live) must meet with a cat or kitten prior to adoption; choosing a cat is a very personal decision and plays an important role in making a lifelong commitment to a new family member.

Shipping of Cats: We ask adopters to meet with and get to know the cats or kittens prior to adoption. Therefore, we do not ship cats or kittens.

Adoption of Black Cats around Halloween: For several years, the Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah Adoption Team has not put a halt to the adoption of black cats on Halloween. Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah's adoption counselors are just as vigilant and informative with potential adopters, as they always are, up to and through Halloween. Black or mostly black cats make up a good portion of felines available for adoption at the shelter so it doesn’t make sense to exclude the shelter’s good sized population from a chance at a home. Kitty Haven Sanctuary of Utah joins with other animal shelters across the country by offering an opportunity for folks to fall in love with black cats any time of the year, including Halloween. We will be screening closely to ensure the cats are placed in a loving fur-ever home and not used for mischief.

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.

Adoption application

https://www.kittyhavenutah.org/adoption-application.html