Calla’s Critter Rescue NEW Adoption Policy

To ensure a smooth process for adoptions starting in 2025, we are implementing a new adoption policy. This protocol aims to facilitate the management of applications during peak periods, particularly for kittens.

• Moving forward, we will emphasize that kittens should not be a source of competition, especially on social media, as we have observed rising tensions in this regard. It is crucial to state clearly that the health and well-being of our kittens and cats is our top priority, not the preferences of applicants. We will not tolerate any form of disrespectful behavior toward our staff and volunteers. We kindly ask all applicants to conduct themselves professionally, and in return, we will treat you with the same respect. Any inappropriate behavior will result in the immediate denial of your application, regardless of its merits.

• We reserve the right to place kittens and/or cats in homes that we deem fit. While we strive to find the best possible homes, submitting an application does not guarantee adoption of a specific kitten or cat, nor does it ensure approval. We maintain a first-come, first-served approach. In cases where multiple approved applicants express interest in the same kitten(s) or cat(s), we will select the first submitted application or the most suitable applicant for the specific animal. There are many other kittens and cats available, and we can keep your approved application on file for future opportunities. Previous adopters will always receive priority if they wish to adopt again.

• Kittens will not be adopted out before 8 weeks of age under any circumstances. We require that each kitten receives at least two distemper booster vaccinations prior to adoption, along with all necessary veterinary care.

• All cats and kittens must be spayed or neutered before their adoption. They will be listed as available for "pre-adoption," and adopters will be required to place a non-refundable deposit that will be applied toward the adoption fee. Kittens must reach an appropriate weight to ensure a safe spaying or neutering procedure.

• Approved adopters may not visit kittens prior to the age of 6 weeks. We also require that the first distemper booster vaccination be administered at least one week before the visitation at the foster home.

• Please note that we do not foster-to-adopt kittens under 6 months of age for the general public, particularly if the intention is to adopt and not foster consistently. We rely on our dedicated and knowledgeable foster team to manage any issues that may arise with kittens. If you are interested in fostering a kitten or cat aged 6 months or older, please find the link on our website to apply.

• All members of our organization are volunteers who also have full-time jobs and personal commitments. We appreciate your patience during the application review and scheduling process. Application reviews may take a week or longer, depending on the schedule of our application manager, and coordinating meet-and-greets may require additional time. We strive to accommodate everyone but must also respect the time of our volunteers. If applicants exert pressure or show impatience, we reserve the right to deny the application. Please be patient.

• Finally, we post each intake or case to provide the community with insights into our work and to generate necessary donations. These posts are not intended for individuals to "call dibs" or compete for kittens and/or cats. We will clearly indicate in each post when animals are not available for adoption until further notice. Any negative or passive-aggressive comments or behavior will be promptly addressed, and individuals will be blocked. Our goal is to promote a positive environment, and we will not engage in conflicts with those who do not understand the challenges of rescue work. Simply put, we ask that everyone be kind.