06/25/2025
Letās Talk About Adoption Applications ā And Why You Might Not Hear Back š
Or what the process is like
We know some people have been frustrated by not receiving a response to their adoption applications. We hear you, and we want to explain why that might happen and what goes into our decision-making.
First, please understand: we are not an open-intake shelter. We are a group of dedicated volunteers who rescue cats usually from local high kill shelters and sometimes kittens from local colonies. Many of these cats have been abandoned, neglected, or are in heartbreaking condition when we get them. We pour our time, money, energy, and love into helping them heal physically and emotionally. Because of this, we are deeply protective of where they go next.
Adoption is not first-come, first-served. Itās about the right match.
We know these cats, their quirks, their trauma, and their needs. The application is a tool that helps us find the best possible fit. Unfortunately, some applications show little to no thought. Weāve seen answers like āI want a catā when asked why someone wants to adopt a specific cat. If this were a job interview, would that answer get you hired?
We have clear, non-negotiable policies in place to protect the cats. No, we donāt list them publicly. Why? Because we donāt want people tailoring their answers just to get approved. We want adopters who are genuinely aligned with what the cat needs, not just saying what they think we want to hear.
So why might you not get a response?
1. Weāre a small team of volunteers who are also juggling full-time jobs, families, and the daily care and rescue of these cats.
2. When we send declines, we are often met with rude or aggressive responses. Itās emotionally exhausting and takes energy away from the animals weāre trying to save.
Please read bios carefully.
If we say the cat must be adopted with a sibling, please donāt apply for only one.
If we say the cat needs a pet-free home, donāt apply if you have other animals.
We also want you to read the bios completely to see if the kitty is a match or something you are truly looking for. Please donāt apply just because itās cute or a gorgeous kitty.
Every application is appreciated, truly, but no one is entitled to a cat. Our goal is not to make anyone feel rejected. Our goal is to protect cats who have already been let down.
Make sure when filling out the application you answer all the questions. At the bottom left you should select to send yourself a copy. If you donāt get a copy, we didnāt get a copy. It can take up to 3 days to process an application.
And lastly, please only apply if youāre ready. So often, we go through the process and reach out, only to hear that the applicant has adopted elsewhere or we are ghosted. Thatās disheartening and wastes valuable time we could have spent helping another cat.
Thank you for understanding, and thank you for supporting our work. This is tough, emotional work, and we do it because we love these animals.