Adoption FAQ
What is the adoption process?
View our rescues in care online or follow us on social media (Facebook , Instagram) to get more picture and video updates to find a potential match.
Apply at the link in the rescues bio on our website for the rescue you are interested in:
Our volunteer adoption coordinators will review and complete any reference checks.
If the application is shortlisted, the potential adopter will be contacted by phone to discuss the application and suitable matches. Due to volunteer capacity, we are unable to contact all applicants and do not have a set timeframe to contact shortlisted applicants. We do our best to work as quickly as possible!
If agreed to move forward, we will connect the potential adopter with the foster family to learn more and set up a meet and greet. Please note that meet and greets are only viewings and potential adopters will not be able to go home with the kitty or pup right away. For dogs, a home check will be required before a meet and greet is set up.
After the meeting, the potential adopter can connect with the adoption coordinator with any questions and let them know their thoughts. They will have 24 hours after the meet and greet to decide if it is the right match for them.
If the adoption is approved, the potential adopter will be sent the adoption contract and payment instructions for the adoption fee by eTransfer. The potential adopter will have two days to complete and return the paperwork and fee.
Once everything is finalized (completed contract & payment received) the adopter can coordinate with the foster family to pick up their new furry family member and welcome them home! Pick-up must be done within five days or a boarding fee will apply.
An email will be sent to the adopter with important veterinary information within a few days of the adoption.
How much is your adoption fee?
Cats: $350* for kittens/young cats and $300* for adults. Fees may differ for specific adoptable kitties.
Dogs: Young dogs and puppies: $850*. Other dogs depend on age and breed. Please inquire about the specific rescue you are interested in.
A $100 refundable deposit is requested for rescues that are too young to be fixed, returned after their appointment at our vet when they are old enough (fix at our vet is included in the adoption).
Adoption fees do not cover our expenses and discounts are not available.
*Adoption fees include 7% PST
How do I pay the adoption fee?
We accept payment by eTransfer only. The instructions for this will be provided to you at the time of adoption.
What does my adoption fee cover?
All of our adoptions include:
health check
spay/neuter (at our partner vet when old enough, if not completed before adoption)
microchip
basic vaccination(s) up to date at the time of adoption
initial flea and deworming treatment
plus any other care the rescue may need to get them ready for adoption!
I applied to adopt but have not heard anything back
We are a small, 100% volunteer-run rescue and can only contact applicants who have been shortlisted for interviews. If you applied for multiple rescues, your application will remain open until you are shortlisted or all the rescues are adopted. At that point, your application will be closed.
To ensure you receive our messages, please add our domain to your safe sender list and check your voicemail regularly. If we do not hear back from you, we will proceed to the next applicant.
I applied to adopt and no longer wish to be considered
If you decide you’re not ready to adopt or have been matched with another rescue, please contact us to let us know. This helps our volunteers by allowing us to remove your application from consideration and save time for other potential adopters. Your prompt communication is greatly appreciated.
Do you have a kitten available for adoption?
Please view our rescues currently available for adoption. Our kittens are adopted in pairs or to homes with other cats so they have companionship and playmates. Be sure to read each profile thoroughly. If you’re interested in adopting a single kitten, we recommend considering a young adult cat instead. These cats often need less socialization and don’t require the same level of companionship to thrive. For more information, look up "single kitten syndrome" to understand why this is important.
Can I adopt both puppies?
Puppies are a lot of work, and managing two at once can be particularly challenging. However, the primary reason we typically do not adopt out puppies from the same litter together is due to the potential for behavioral issues. Raising littermates together can lead to what’s known as littermate syndrome, which can present various challenges. For more information, you might want to research "littermate syndrome" to understand these concerns better.
I’m looking for a dog/cat that is <insert trait here…>
Thank you for considering opening your heart and home to a rescue in need. To find a rescue that matches what you’re looking for, please review the profiles of our currently available rescues. You can also follow us on social media (Facebook , Instagram) to stay updated on rescues that may become available soon. Please wait to submit applications until the rescues are officially available for adoption.
Do you have a waitlist?
We do not maintain a waitlist because we believe it’s important for individuals to apply for rescues they feel a strong connection to and that match their needs based on their profile. Please only submit applications for rescues that are currently posted as available for adoption. If, during the interview process, we identify other potential matches, we will discuss those with you.
Can I meet the rescue I’m interested in?
Yes, as a foster-based rescue, we arrange meet and greets only for shortlisted applicants. Since adopting a rescue is a decision for the entire household, we recommend that all members participate in the meet and greet, as appropriate. Please note that meet and greets are scheduled for one rescue/pair (or a litter from the same foster) at a time.
Do you have a hypoallergenic dog/cat?
Given the nature of rescue work, we cannot guarantee that a rescue is a specific breed or coat type, and we cannot promise that they will be hypoallergenic. If you or a family member has allergies and you are unsure about how you might react, we recommend fostering first. Living with a full-time fur companion can trigger allergic reactions that might not be apparent during brief visits. Fostering allows you to assess compatibility before making a long-term commitment.
I’d like to get my cat/dog a friend but they have not been around other cats/dogs. Help!
Understanding your pet's basic temperament is crucial in determining if they will benefit from having a furry friend. A proper introduction is essential and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months. While we are here to offer advice, we expect adopters to have researched and prepared a plan for keeping the animals separate until they are comfortable with each other. It’s important to manage expectations: animals can live happily together in the same home without necessarily being inseparable.
I live outside of Metro Vancouver, can I apply to adopt?
We will consider strong, reference-backed applications from within BC outside of the Metro Vancouver area. We do not adopt out of province or country. The s e c r e t w o r d to paste into your application is cheese.
I’d like to adopt a rescue for my <dad/mom/friend etc>
Thank you for assisting your family and friends in finding a rescue! We only adopt directly to the future homes of our rescues, and we need to discuss and assess the application with the applicants themselves. If they are not familiar with technology, you can help them submit their application, but the information and responses must be their own. Our contract is a fillable PDF, and payment is done via eTransfer, so please ensure they have the support they need for these steps, as our ability to assist is limited.