Our Adoption Process

Before You Apply

Our screening process is designed to ensure a perfect, lifelong match for both your family and the cat or kitten you are considering.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee an adoption. Candy's Cats (CCI) works hard to place each cat in the best possible environment for their specific needs, and we reserve the right to decline an adoption at our discretion. While we often allow cats to go home on the day of adoption, this is only possible after all information provided has been thoroughly verified.

Before filling out your application, please review our core requirements:

• Age Requirement: You must be 18 or older to adopt. If you reside in a family member's home, we require written parental/homeowner permission, which we will verify via a phone call.
• Housing Rules: Please review any county regulations, lease agreements, rental or condo rules, and pet fees before applying.
• Kitten Policy: Unless their bio explicitly states otherwise, kittens must be adopted into a home with another young, companion kitten or a cat-friendly dog.
• Bonded Pairs: Cats listed as bonded pairs are a package deal and will not be separated.
• Pre-Spay/Neuter Program: Some of our available cats participate in our pre-alter adoption program. These cats will have received at least their first FVRCP vaccine, a microchip registered to CCI, and routine parasite treatment. An adoption counselor will explain these specific details upon preliminary approval.

Step-by-Step to Adoption

1. Submit an Online Application

To begin, complete our comprehensive screening form. Please answer every question completely. Incomplete forms may be disqualified without further notification.

To help speed up your approval process, please note the following requirements based on your living and pet situation:

• If You Rent: You must provide your landlord or management company's name, phone number, and community website. We will contact them to confirm cats are permitted and that any current pets are listed on your lease. Once approved, your new cat must be added to your lease before going home.
• If You Own Your Home: If your homeownership is not yet updated in county property records, please email proof of ownership to adoptions@candyscats.org.
• If You Have Current or Past Pets: All cats and dogs in the home over 4 months old must be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on Rabies and all vet-recommended vaccines. We will call your veterinarian to verify this history. You must provide a vet phone number, even for past pets you no longer have, or we cannot move forward.

Pro-Tip: Emailing your current vet records to adoptions@candyscats.org immediately after applying heavily speeds up your application!

2. The Interview

A volunteer adoption counselor may contact you via phone or email to review your application, discuss the cat's personality, and answer any questions you have.

3. Home Visit

CCI reserves the right to schedule a home check. Please note that declining a requested home visit at any point will cancel the adoption process.

4. Preliminary Approval

Once your application passes verification, you will receive preliminary paper approval. This allows us to schedule an exclusive, by-appointment meet-and-greet! (Please note: Written approval does not reserve a specific cat; final matching happens in person.)

5. Meet Your Match

Come meet the cats! Our trained volunteers will observe how everyone interacts to ensure a great fit.

Who should attend: If you are married or living with a significant other, both partners must attend. Children under 12 are also required to take part in the meet-and-greet.

6. Sign the Digital Contract

Our adoption contract is entirely digital and can be completed securely on your phone or computer before or immediately after your meeting. A valid photo ID is required for all contract finalizations.

7. Adoption Fee & Going Home

Fees: Our adoption fees typically range from $100 to $150 per cat (subject to change at our discretion) and go directly toward saving the next rescue cat.

Safe Travels: You must bring a secure pet carrier to take your new family member home. No cat will be released without one. If you don't have one, carriers are available for purchase at our partner pet store locations.