CARA Welfare Phils | How to Adopt

Cats and dogs that are at least 6 months of age or older are neutered before adoption. If you are interested in adopting an animal younger than 6 months, we require you to buy a coupon for an advance payment for the operation when they are mature. Obviously our whole objective is to stop over population, hence we are very careful who we allow to adopt unfixed animals.

A SERIOUS DECISION

Adopting an animal is a serious decision, for example a cat can live up to 23 years old and a dog up to 17. Therefore we want you to find the perfect match for your lifetime companion. The adoption team will provide you with background information about any animals you are interested in and arrange an appointment for you to meet your prospective new friend. However before committing to adopting an animal, please consider the questions below to make sure you are ready to be a pet owner.

ARE YOU READY TO BE A PET OWNER?

There are many factors to consider before taking that adoption step.

What is your financial situation?
Can you afford a pet? The adoption fee is P1200 for a dog and P800 for a cat, however that is only the start of the expenses. Vaccinations should be kept up to date every year; also unforeseen illness will require visits to the vets.

Where do you live?
If you rent, will your landlord let you keep a pet there? Are you planning on moving? If you are planning to move countries, please don't adopt unless that animal can go with you so many animals are left homeless when the owners leave the country. Remember a pet is for life WOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR CHILD BEHIND?

What is your family situation?
Getting a pet is a decision that has to be made by, and agreed upon, by all members of the family.

Are you willing to live the pet lifestyle?
Kittens climbing curtains; puppies having little accidents. Your furniture being used as a scratching post while "Fluffy" learns where the real scratching post is! By the way, make sure you provide one, otherwise "Fluffy" has every excuse to use the kitchen table.

Can you cope with your pet's daily needs?
Your pet will need you EVERY SINGLE DAY - for the rest of his/her life, which can be 15 years or more. Can you commit to this?

We don't want to put you off adopting a pet, we have so many that need homes, we just want to make sure you know exactly what you are taking on. Owning an animal is so rewarding, but knowing the facts beforehand is a must. Think carefully before adopting, don't break an animals heart by abandoning them later.

Please read carefully our adoption polices, we want to ensure our rescued animals get to a loving and safe environment.

ADOPTION POLICIES

1. INDOOR ONLY - Cats adopted from CARA must be kept indoors with a litter tray (cleaned daily). Cats live much longer, safer lives indoors. Houses/condos must be fitted with fly screens to prevent the cat going outside. In specific cases, cats may be approved to go to an indoor/outdoor home.

2. CARA's animals if over 6 months of age are spayed/neutered before adoption. If the chosen pet is under 6 months of age, therefore not yet neutered, a Spay/Neuter coupon must be purchased and a binding contract signed. The animal has to be brought to the CARA clinic to the prearranged appointment for neutering. Why Spay & Neuter?

3. The animal must be provided with fresh water at all times and good quality food 2x daily.

4. Veterinary treatment must be provided when necessary for the continual health and well being of the animal.

5. Dogs must NOT be tied up on tight leashes and must NOT be kept in cages. Dogs can live outdoors within a fenced secure area providing there is adequate shelter.

6. Dogs must not roam the street, they should be walked 2x daily in a responsible manner.

7. Cats must not be declawed for any reason, dogs must not be debarked.

8. Our animals are not vaccinated before adoption. It is highly recommended that on adoption of your pet, he/she is taken to the vet for: a) General checkup, b) De-worming c) Vaccines - Tri-Cat vaccine for cats, 5 in 1 vaccine for dogs; these vaccines should be kept up to date yearly.

9. If for whatever reason you cannot keep the adopted animal, you must notify CARA and return the animal to CARA. The adoption fee will NOT be reimbursed.

10. The adoptive family agrees to give CARA visiting rights to ensure the terms of the adoption agreement are being followed. Failure to follow the agreement will result in the animal being reclaimed by CARA; the adoption fee will NOT be reimbursed.

11. Cats/Dogs adopted will be transported to their new home in a carrier approved by CARA.

12. The adoption fee is NOT refundable.

If you are 100% sure you are ready to be a pet owner and can meet our adoption policies, please read on.

Select an animal/s from our: Adoption Gallery

Download the adoption application form here http://caraphil.org/uploads/adoptionform2010.doc

Email us at cara.adoption@gmail.com , attach the completed adoption form. Alternatively you can call/text 09158905535. We will then arrange an appointment time for to you to visit your prospective new pet/s.

If both parties are satisfied the adoption can proceed.

We will make at least one follow up visit to ensure that everybody is happy.

CARA reserves the right to refuse adoption to any individual we feel is not suitable.