Adoption Policy

Adoption of Cats

• Cats and Kittens are to desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated prior to adoption.
• Any known behavioural or medical issues are to be disclosed to any potential adopters.
• Preference will be given to applicants that have a home where the cat will be kept indoors all the time or indoors with access to an outdoor cat run or enclosed secure yard.
• At the discretion of the rescue, adoption fees can be discounted if there is any health or social issues.
• A seven-day trial period is available on request and will be suggested in cases where the cat has come from a colony situation and may require adjustment time. A $20 administration fee applies if the cat is returned within the trial period. Trial extensions can be requested and will be considered by the rescue, but must be requested during the trial period.
• After the trial period, no refund will be issued for returns due to compatibility issues (e.g. not getting along with other pets or children) or changes in personal circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, allergies, moving or work commitments).
• Donated goods, such as beds, food, or other supplies, do not alter the above refund policy.

Adoption of Dogs

• Dogs are to desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated prior to adoption.
• Dogs are suitable for rehoming and are not a risk to people or the community.
• Any known behavioural or medical issues are to be disclosed to any potential adopters.
• Are in most cases are to be adopted out to a home that has a secure yard.
• Are to be adopted to a family that has physical ability to control the dog.
• Are to be adopted to families with the physical ability to control the dog and who are able to provide adequate time and socialisation.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are home more often than not or have one or more companion dogs.
• Applicants who already have a dog must have their dog meet the foster dog before being allowed to adopt.
• Dogs aged 10 months or younger are not adopted out in pairs due to the increased risk of behavioural issues that can develop when two young dogs are raised together. These issues may include poor social development, anxiety when separated from each other, and difficulty in responding to training. To minimise these risks and give each dog the best chance to thrive, we place puppies in homes where they can receive individual attention - and, if there is an existing older dog, they can benefit from positive role modelling as they settle into family life.
• At the discretion of the rescue, adoption fees can be discounted if there is any health or social issues.
• A fourteen-day trial period is mandatory for all dogs. The trial start and end dates are inclusive. An administration fee, as set out in the adoption contract, will be charged if the animal is returned within the trial period. The adoption fee, minus the administration fee, will be refunded to the adopter within 14 days of the animal's return. If the animal is not found or not returned, no refund will be issued.
• After the trial period, no refund will be issued for returns due to compatibility issues (e.g. not getting along with other pets or children) or changes in personal circumstances (e.g. pregnancy, allergies, moving, or work commitments).
• Donated goods, such as dog beds, food, or other supplies, do not alter the above refund policy.

• If any animal is known or suspected to have an underlying health condition or be suffering from any illness, every adopter will be advised of this prior to adoption. This will also be stated on the adoption contract.
• If any underlying health condition or illness is known or suspected, full disclosure will be made by Paws & Claws Adoptions to the potential adopter so that the potential adopter has an understanding of the underlying condition or illness.
• If Paws & Claws Adoptions are to contribute toward the cost of any treatment or medication for the treatment of an underlying health condition or illness, the terms on which this will be given will be discussed prior to the adoption and any agreement in relation to this will also be listed on the adoption contract.
• If an owner considers that an animal requires veterinary attention for an illness or disease within 28 days of the adoption date, Paws & Claws Adoptions will liaise with the adopter in relation to a veterinary consultation (initial consultation) with one of the listed partner vets. Paws & Claws Adoptions will cover the cost of the initial consultation if it is agreed that the consultation is appropriate.
• Paws & Claws Adoptions will consider any request made by an adopter for payment of medications required for the animal within 28 days of the date of adoption.
• Paws & Claws Adoptions may, at its discretion, agree to reimburse an adopter for a consultation at a non-partner vet if a consultation with a partner vet is not considered appropriate by the rescue.
• If an adopted animal is diagnosed with an underlying condition or illness within 28 days of the adoption date and the adopter does not wish to keep the adopted animal and care for it within the Paws & Claws Adoptions terms and conditions, Paws & Claws Adoptions will accept the return of the adopted animal and reimburse the adopter for the adoption fee.
• If an adopted animal passes away or is euthanased due to an unknown pre-existing medical condition, Paws & Claws Adoptions offers a full refund of the adoption fee or the opportunity to adopt another animal of a similar age at no cost, provided the death occurs within 12 months of the adoption date. If the death occurs between 13 months and 2 years from the adoption date, an offer to adopt another animal at a 50% discounted adoption fee may be made. In either case, medical evidence may be requested to support the claim.
• For information on your rights under Australian Consumer Law, please see the ACCC website section on Refunds and Returns and Consumer Guarantees