Adoption Process

Have you fallen in love with one (or more) of our adoptable cats?
What’s the next step?

If you would like to visit one (or more) of our adoptable cats, please look at the cat’s story to find out where the cat currently resides.  If the cat is in an adoption center or in a cat cafe, please call that location for information about meeting the cats (see Adoption Centers).  Only approved applicants may interact with cats in a foster home.

To fill out an adoption application for a cat, please use the link provided for the specific location of that cat (see Adopt, All Cats).  If you are interested in more than one cat and the kitties happen to be in different locations, please fill out an adoption application using the location of your first choice; you may list up to three cats on that single application regardless of where they each happen to be staying.

All prospective adopters will be asked to complete an adoption application (link also available at our adoption centers) and to speak with an adoption counselor.  Unless a special adoption event is in progress, an adoption counselor will do their best to call within 48 hours of receiving your application.  Please monitor your phone for their call.  Applications are processed in the order they are received and on a case-by-case basis as every cat, every person, every home is different – we strive to ensure the best match for all parties.

Adoptive parents will receive a packet containing great information about cat guardianship, health, food, etc..  At the minimum, each of our cats has already been tested for feline leukemia, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas and microchipped, so your initial expenses for your cats’ health needs have already been taken care of.  All that is left for you to do is to love and cherish your new family member(s) and allow them time to adjust!

We ask for your patience in two areas:

  1. Please be patient with our furry friends. They are all very loving. They (like all cats) may be scared when they first come to your home. We will give you guidance on how to best introduce them into your household, to maximize the likelihood of a smooth transition. Allow your new cat the time and space they need to adjust and to learn they can trust you. Sometimes, what they have already endured in their life is not known and they just need time. This may take a few days, a few weeks and, in a few cases, it may take them even longer. Change is difficult for cats. Please know they are doing the best they can and just love them. You will be GREATLY rewarded with the love and joy they bring to your lives.
  2. Please be patient with us. We are ALL volunteers; we do what we do out of our love of cats. We also have full-time jobs and families and we do our best to respond as rapidly as we possibly can. Every cat you see here has been rescued, fostered by volunteers in their own homes, fed and cared for financially out of their pockets, and loved from their hearts. Like any child one has helped and loved, we want to be sure our feline children go to outstanding adoptive homes.

Adoption Fee:

Kitten: $175 (6 months and younger)
Adult: $150 (6 months to 8 years)
Adult: $125 (8 years and onwards)
2nd Cat (adult or kitten): $25 off total adoption fee

Fee includes:

  • Veterinarian exam
  • Feline leukemia/FIV test
  • Spay or neuter
  • Vaccination
  • Microchip & registration
  • Treatment for worms
  • Treatment for fleas

(Veterinarians typically charge $700+ for these services.)

SAN DIEGO AREA CAT ADOPTION CENTERS

Where can you meet our wonderful cats in person?  At our adoption centers!  We are fortunate to have formed relationships with several retail stores and businesses whose philosophy agrees with ours.  They have generously provided space and support for Rescue House cats within their establishments.  Rescue House volunteers are present in these adoption centers at various times throughout the day.  We encourage you to contact the location of interest to you and inquire when volunteers should be there.

All of the cats you see in our adoption centers have been rescued from death or from a life of hardship and abuse.  While the first part of their life, whether long or short, has been less than a perfect one, we will do our best to ensure that the cats we take in will be loved, respected, and well cared for going forward, and indeed for the rest of their lives.  Every animal deserves a safe and loving home and we are doing all we can to ensure that this happens.

Prospective adopters will be asked to complete an adoption application (available at our adoption centers) and to speak with an adoption counselor.  Unless a special adoption event is in progress, our counselors conduct interviews by phone and do their best to do so within 48 hours of receiving your application.  Applications are processed on a case-by-case basis as every cat, every person, every home is different – we strive to ascertain the best match for all parties.

Encinitas

PETSMART Encinitas
1034 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 436-1220

San Diego

THE CAT CAFE
302 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 786-2289

PETCO Mira Mesa
8290 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego CA 92126
(858) 693-1131

PETSMART Aero Drive
3396 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 571-0300

Vista

CAT & CRAFT
3211 Business Park Drive, Suite 3B Vista, CA 92081
(760) 295-1181