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.
• A seven-day trial period is available on request. A $20 administration fee is charged if the animal is returned within the trial period.
• A seven-day trial period will be suggested to adopters if the cat has come from a colony situation and may have adjustment issues.
• 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.

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.
• A fourteen-day trial period is mandatory for all dogs. An administration fee set on the adoption contract is charged if the animal is returned within the trial period.
• 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 a family that is able provide the dog with 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.
• At the discretion of the rescue, adoption fees can be discounted if there is any health or social issues.

• 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 within the first 28 days after the adoption, an animal is diagnosed with an illness or underlying condition and the owner and veterinarian consider euthanasia appropriate, Paws & Claws Adoptions will, after confirmation from the veterinarian around the appropriateness of the euthanasia, reimburse the owner with the adoption fee.