FAQs

You can find the answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Why Adopt?

ADOPTING vs BUYING: I’m thinking of buying a cat or kitten – why should I adopt?

If you are thinking of welcoming a new pet into your life, adopting from a rescue centre or rehoming organisation is by far the best choice – for you and for the animals.

Do you adopt out to people who live on a main road?

Unfortunately, we don’t adopt to families on main roads, this is for the cats safety, even if it is an indoor cat there is a risk that the cat could get out and be in an RTA, so we do not like to take the risk. However, exceptions are made for families who have an outdoor enclosure (cattery) and we would need to see this during the home check. This is different for dog adoptions.

Do you accept fosterers who live on a main road?

Unfortunately, this is the same as for people adopting cats (see above). This is different for dog foster homes.

What’s the adoption process?

At the moment we are only adopting out in the local area; Lancashire and Greater Manchester as we are based in Bolton.

Adoption Process:

1. Fill out the quick questionnaire found at the bottom of the Pets for Adoption page. Alternatively send a message to the Saving Strays Animal Rescue inbox on Facebook, email us, or message us through the contact us page of the website.

2. Once the completed questionnaire is received the Home Check Team (HCT) will take a look at it and ask any clarification questions if necessary.

3. If the HCT feels your application to adopt is not suitable, one of the HCT will message you with the reasons why.

4. If all is good to proceed, one of the HCT will ring or text to make an appointment to do a video call either via facetime or whatsapp. We like to see all members of the family during this call and will take photos of your home and ask further questions. We will also ask to see photo ID and a recent utility bill as proof of address.

5. Once the home check has been completed, the Trustees will assess the application and make a decision if they can offer you a pet for adoption. If they feel they can’t, they will give reasons as to why.

6. If successful, you will be notified and be sent photos of potential pets that meet the needs of your home environment.

7. Once a decision by adopter has been made, an adoption contract will be sent out and arrangements will be made for the pet to be picked up. No pet will be allowed to be rehomed before having all basic vet treatment; neutering, vaccinations, chipping, flea and worm.

8. Once a pet has been adopted, our Aftercare Manager will keep in touch to ensure there are no problems and to offer support.

Are there any age requirements/restrictions when adopting a cat/kitten?

1. We do not rehome kittens under 6 months to families with young children under 5 but will consider older kittens and cats for these families. Same applies to puppies.

2. Because cats can live up to 20 years (and sometimes longer) we do not rehome kittens or young cats to people over 60 as the cat/kitten could outlive the person and then they could be left homeless and on the street. We will rehome older cats in these situations.

3. We only rehome kittens in pairs unless there is another animal in the home.

4. Applications for Adoption and Fostering can only be accepted for individuals over the age of 18.

Do you adopt out to people who already have cats and/or dogs?

Yes, but this all depends on the temperament and needs of the cat and will be based on a case by case basis. We only adopt out where owners have vaccinated regularly and neutered their own animals and we will need to see proof of this.

Can I adopt if I am unemployed or on benefits

As the cost of caring for a cat / dog can be quite expensive with insurance, vaccinations and vet bills etc, together with everyday costs for food and litter, unfortunately we are unable to consider applications in these instances.

What is the adoption fee?

The adoption fee is:

£120 per cat

£240 per pair of kittens

£300 per dog

£500 per puppy

What is included in the adoption fee?

1. 1st and 2nd vaccinations

2. Microchipping to the new owner

3. Neutering for all

4. Flea and worm treatment

I have Found a cat – what do I do?

If you find a stray cat and have tried various measures to find the owner, send us a message with details together with your contact details and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

REHOMING MY Pet: I need to rehome my Pet – what should I do?

There are many different reasons why people decide to rehome their cat. Some are sadly unavoidable, but in some cases rehoming is avoidable with a little help and encouragement. We aim to give hope and advice to help with both situations, so send a message to the inbox and we can discuss further with you. If it is mutually agreed it would be in the best interest of the cat to be rehomed, you will need to complete a surrender form and we will put the cat into foster until we can find a permanent home for it. This may take awhile if there aren’t any fosterers available.

RENTING with CATS: Can I adopt if I rent my property?

More often than not – YES.

We will need to see proof from your landlord or letting agency that you are allowed pets.

How do I become a Foster Parent?

As we are not centre based we rely heavily on foster homes to care for our cats and kittens whilst they are ‘between homes’, and are always pleased to hear from new potential fosterers.

We have a Fosters Guidance Policy which can be found here: https://savingstraysanimalrescue.co.uk/fostering-process/

All foster families need to be in the Bolton area, able to drive and take their cat(s)/Kitten(s) to relevant vet appointments where needed. Food and litter will be provided and this will need to be picked up from one of the Trustees when it is required. Unfortunately we can’t accept applications from people who live on a main road.

How do I become a Volunteer?

We are always grateful to people who want to volunteer and if you feel you would like to help, then please message the FB page and someone will call to have a chat.

Pets into Care Scheme

Many people worry about what will happen if their pets outlive them. If you feel there’s no one you can ask to take on your companion, our Pets into Care Scheme might be for you.

By registering your pets in our Pets into Care Scheme you will have peace of mind they will be taken care of and placed into new homes by Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

The service is free of charge but you may like to consider leaving us a gift in your Will or making a donation.

Can I keep in touch with my pet?

Due to GDPR Data Compliance Guidelines, you can not have contact with the foster family or the new owner, however, you can have direct contact with us and we can provide you with updates on your surrendered pet.

This contact can be through email or Facebook Messages on our page. We have a fantastic after care program to ensure we remain in contact with new owners supporting them with anything they may need.

Get in touch with a member of the team if you would like to join our Pets into Care Scheme