Table of Contents

How to Put a Cat Up for Adoption at PetSmart: A Comprehensive Guide

Putting a cat up for adoption is a deeply important decision, and finding the right avenue to rehome your feline friend is paramount. While PetSmart doesn’t directly take cats from the public for adoption, they partner with local animal rescue organizations and shelters to showcase adoptable cats in their stores. Therefore, to get a cat up for adoption through PetSmart, you need to work directly with one of their partner organizations.

Understanding the PetSmart Adoption Model

PetSmart’s role is providing the physical space and visibility for adoptable cats. They believe in supporting community-based animal welfare and facilitating adoptions. This means PetSmart does not own the cats in their adoption centers, nor do they handle the intake or approval process for adoptions. All cats present in PetSmart stores are under the care and responsibility of their respective partner shelters or rescues.

Identifying a PetSmart Partner Organization

The crucial first step is to identify the local animal shelters or rescue groups that partner with your local PetSmart store. You can do this by:

Visiting your local PetSmart store and inquiring directly with the staff about their partner organizations. Look for adoption events or contact information posted near the adoption kennels.
Contacting your local PetSmart store by phone and asking for the contact information of their partnering animal rescues.
Searching online using terms like “[Your City] animal rescues PetSmart partners.”

Once you’ve identified a potential partner, research the organization thoroughly. Look at their website, social media, and online reviews. This will give you a better understanding of their adoption policies, intake procedures, and overall reputation.

Contacting and Applying to the Partner Organization

After identifying a reputable partner organization, contact them directly to inquire about their process for accepting cats into their adoption program. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your cat, including:

Age and breed (or breed mix).
Health history, including vaccinations, vet records, and any known medical conditions.
Temperament and personality (e.g., friendly, shy, playful, good with children or other animals).
Reason for relinquishing the cat.
Clear, high-quality photos of the cat.

The rescue organization will likely have a specific application process that may involve:

Completing a detailed questionnaire about your cat’s history and your reasons for surrendering the cat.
Providing veterinary records to verify vaccination status and overall health.
Undergoing an interview to assess the cat’s suitability for their adoption program.
Potentially a home visit to ensure your cat lived in a safe and suitable environment.

Be honest and transparent throughout the application process. Providing accurate information will help the rescue organization make an informed decision about whether they can accept your cat into their program.

Understanding Acceptance Criteria and Potential Wait Times

Rescue organizations often operate with limited resources and space. As a result, they may not be able to accept every cat that is offered to them. Common factors influencing their decision include:

Space availability: Shelters and rescues are often at capacity.
Cat’s health: Cats with significant medical needs may require extensive and costly care, which some organizations may not be equipped to provide.
Cat’s temperament: Cats with behavioral issues, such as aggression or excessive fear, may be more difficult to place in adoptive homes.
Age: Very young kittens or senior cats may require specialized care and may be more challenging to find adopters for.

Be prepared for the possibility that the rescue organization may decline to take your cat. This does not necessarily mean your cat is unadoptable, but it may require you to explore other rehoming options. If accepted, there might also be a waiting period before your cat can be placed in a PetSmart adoption center, depending on space availability and the organization’s procedures.

Preparing Your Cat for Adoption

If the rescue organization accepts your cat, you’ll likely need to take several steps to prepare them for adoption. This may include:

Ensuring your cat is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Getting your cat spayed or neutered. Many rescue organizations require this before placing cats in adoption homes.
Having your cat tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Providing a recent health certificate from a veterinarian.
Supplying the rescue organization with your cat’s favorite toys, bedding, and food to help them adjust to their new environment.

Providing as much information and resources as possible will help the rescue organization care for your cat and increase their chances of finding a loving home.

Consider Direct Adoption or Rehoming

If working with a rescue proves difficult or time-consuming, you may also consider direct adoption or rehoming options. This involves finding a new home for your cat yourself, without going through a shelter or rescue organization. Options include:

Networking with friends, family, and colleagues. Let people know you’re looking to rehome your cat and provide them with information and photos.
Using online platforms specifically designed for pet adoption and rehoming, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com.
Placing advertisements in local newspapers or online classifieds.
Consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice on finding the right home for your cat.

When rehoming your cat directly, screen potential adopters carefully to ensure they are a good fit for your cat and can provide them with a loving and responsible home. Consider conducting home visits and requiring adopters to sign an adoption contract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does PetSmart charge a fee to put my cat up for adoption?

No, PetSmart itself does not charge any fees. However, the partner rescue organization may have associated costs, such as surrender fees, or require you to cover the costs of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or other veterinary care.

2. Can I drop off my cat at PetSmart and expect them to find a home?

Absolutely not. PetSmart relies on its partner organizations to handle all aspects of cat intake, care, and adoption. Dropping off a cat without prior arrangement is considered abandonment and is illegal in many jurisdictions.

3. What if I can no longer care for my cat due to financial reasons?

Contact your local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Many offer resources and assistance to pet owners facing financial hardship, such as pet food banks or low-cost veterinary care. Explain your situation honestly; they might have solutions you haven’t considered.

4. How long does it take for a cat to get adopted at PetSmart?

The timeframe varies greatly depending on factors such as the cat’s age, temperament, health, and the demand for cats in your area. Some cats get adopted within days, while others may wait weeks or even months. The rescue organization can give you a more realistic estimate based on their experience.

5. What happens to the cats at PetSmart if they don’t get adopted?

The partner rescue organization remains responsible for the cat’s care. If a cat isn’t adopted within a reasonable timeframe, the rescue organization may move the cat to a different location, such as a foster home, or continue to care for the cat at their shelter.

6. Can I specify the type of home I want for my cat?

You can certainly communicate your preferences to the rescue organization. For instance, you might want your cat to go to a home without young children or other pets. The rescue organization will do their best to match your cat with a suitable adopter, but ultimately, the decision rests with them.

7. What if my cat has behavioral issues?

Be upfront with the rescue organization about any behavioral issues your cat may have. Some organizations specialize in rehabilitating cats with behavioral challenges, while others may not have the resources to handle such cases. Transparency is key to finding the right placement for your cat.

8. Is it better to surrender my cat to a “no-kill” shelter?

“No-kill” shelters generally have a higher adoption rate and may provide a more comfortable environment for cats. However, they often have limited space and stricter acceptance criteria. Research different shelters in your area and choose the one that best suits your cat’s needs.

9. What if I find a stray cat? Can I take it to PetSmart?

No, you should not take a stray cat directly to PetSmart. Instead, contact your local animal control or a rescue organization. They can help you determine if the cat has an owner and provide appropriate care and shelter.

10. Can I visit my cat while it’s at PetSmart waiting for adoption?

This depends on the policies of the partner rescue organization. Some organizations allow previous owners to visit their cats, while others may discourage it to avoid confusing or stressing the animal. Check with the rescue organization for their specific guidelines.

11. What documentation do I need to provide when surrendering my cat?

You’ll typically need to provide:

Veterinary records showing vaccination history and any medical conditions.
Proof of ownership (if available).
A signed surrender form.
Any relevant information about your cat’s personality, habits, and preferences.

12. Besides PetSmart, what other resources are available for rehoming my cat?

Beyond direct adoption and working with rescues, consider:

Online pet adoption platforms: Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet.com, and similar sites.
Local animal shelters and humane societies.
Breed-specific rescue organizations.
Veterinarians and pet groomers: They may know of clients looking to adopt a cat.

Rehoming a cat is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning, diligent effort, and a compassionate approach, you can help your feline companion find a loving and permanent home.