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Applying to Adopt a Cat:

• Download the application and contract by clicking as indicated above or pick up an application packet at an Adoption Location.
  
  
• Either fax the paperwork to 703-560-9795, leave it at an Adoption Location, or mail it to:
  
  

  4Paws Rescue Team P.O. Box 2908 Merrifield, VA 22116

  
  
• Be sure to call 703-715-6369 and leave a message indicating that you have faxed, mailed or left an application at a Petco store to adopt a cat.
  
  
• It takes 3 to 4 days to process an application. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. A 4Paws volunteer will call you after the application has been reviewed.

Veterinary care is provided to 4Paws’ cats as appropriate. All cats are vaccinated (as appropriate for their ages), spayed or neutered (if old enough) and tested for feline leukemia and AIDs.

The adoption fee for an already sterilized cat is $95. For an unsterilized kitten the fee is $125 ($75 adoption fee plus $50 refundable sterilization deposit). After providing proof of spay or neuter, a $50 deposit is refunded to the adopter of an unsterilized cat.

These adoption fees only partially defray the cost of readying a cat for adoption.

• De-worming and flea treatment ($15 - $25)
• Rabies and distemper vaccines ($20 - $30 each)
• Leukemia/AIDs testing ($40 - $60)
• Spay or neuter ($60 - $90)
• Supplies (food, litter, toys and medication)

It is our goal to make the best possible match between adopter and cat. Accordingly, we may suggest that you adopt a cat other than the one for which you are applying, depending upon your lifestyle and household.

While it is our intent to find permanent loving homes for our cats, we understand that sometimes a placement does not work out or circumstances change. A cat rescued by 4Paws is a cat rescued for life. We will always accept back any cat previously adopted out through our program.

You will be entitled to a refund of the adoption fee if we are notified within 30 days of the adoption that you are having problems. If you wish to continue working to integrate the cat into your household, we will often grant an extension on the time to get a refund. In the case, however, that the adoption does not work out, as indicated in the Adoption Contract, you are required to return the cat to 4Paws. You may not give the cat away or take it to an animal shelter.

For any reason, at any point in the future, 4Paws will always accept back any cat previously adopted out through our adoption program. Call us at 703-715-6369 and indicate that you need to return a 4Paws cat. Do not call Petco, as they have no authority to accept a cat on behalf of 4Paws.