Policies

Age of Adopters

Adopters must be 18 years or older and present a valid form of photo ID.

Adoption Applications

All adoption applications are reviewed on a “first in, first approved” basis. We do not place any holds on cats or kittens and we do not adopt to anyone who has not met with the animal in person. We do not ship any animals out of state.

Indoor Homes

Because cats live longer and safer lives indoors, SFOF adopts primarily to indoor-only homes. For us, “indoor only” means that your cat stays inside your residence and is never left unattended or free-roaming outside in the neighborhood. Cats who are allowed to roam outside face a myriad of issues such as; injury, illness or theft and then the owner faces unnecessary veterinary expenses, worry, and grief.

We do encourage adopters to consider catios and other safe outdoor enclosures, harness and leash walking, or the use of secure pet stroller. These options will keep your cat and wildlife safe from harm while providing your feline with the enrichment that outdoor stimulation can provide.

In rare cases, when we believe a particular cat cannot have happiness and quality of like in an indoor home they may be approved to go to an indoor/outdoor home. Those adopting cats designated for possible indoor/outdoor homes are still subject to the standard adoption process.

Declawing

Declawing is inhumane and banned in some countries and US states. Your adoption counselor can provide information about the detriments of declawing, humane alternatives, how to properly trim nails, and how to train a cat to use a scratching post. For adopters looking for declawed cats, on occasion we have previously declawed cats awaiting adoption.

Kitten adoptions

All cats and kittens must be spayed or neutered before they can go home with their adopter. Typically, kittens will be about eight weeks old before they are ready for spay or neuter surgery.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive cats

SFOF does not euthanize cats who have tested positive for FIV. The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can compromise a cat’s immune system, but FIV positive cats can live long and healthy lives when provided with routine veterinary care. FIV is not contagious to other species and is not easily spread between cats. In many cases, friendly FIV positive cats can cohabitate with friendly FIV negative cats and be fine because the virus is spread primarily through deep bite wounds.

Renting with cats

It is the responsibility of adopters to inquire with their landlord to be sure cats are allowed and also to pay any pet deposits or pet rent in advance of adopting.

Cats as gifts

SFOF has gift certificates available for those wishing to give the gift of adoption. Please note that adopters must meet with an adoption counselor prior to adoption; choosing a cat is a very personal decision and you are making a lifelong commitment to a new family member.

Returning a cat

Our goal is to make loving, lifetime matches for you and the cat you adopted. But we recognize that sometimes things do not go as planned. If you are experiencing difficulties with a newly adopted cat, please contact us right away for assistance. You can contact us to schedule a return appointment—we cannot accept walk-ins.

If you schedule an appointment and return a recently adopted cat within 60 days of adoption, you may be eligible to exchange for another cat with an equivalent or lower adoption fee (or you may choose to adopt a cat with a higher adoption fee by paying the difference).

SFOF reserves the right to decline an adoption.