What areas will you re-home an animal to? Expand We don't have a specific area within which we re-home, but all our home visitors are volunteers giving up their time and we don't expect them to travel long distances. Each home visitor covers an area around their own home, and some are prepared to venture further afield. If you live some distance away we recommend that you telephone the Sanctuary (01625 520802) to check whether or not we can do a home visit in your area.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal from you? Expand From 1st January 2021 our adoption fee for adult cats is £80.00 and £95.00 for kittens under 12 months of age . This adoption fee goes towards the cost of feeding, neutering, microchipping, worming and defleaing, and also any veterinary care necessary for that particular cat whilst it has been in our care. The adoption fee for Rabbits is £40.00, Ferrets £30.00, Guinea Pigs £20.00 and small animals or birds £10.00
Why have I failed my home visit? Expand It’s nothing personal! Most problems relate to the location of the property. If you are close (within 100m) to a busy road or railway line we are unlikely to re-home a cat to you even if you have high fences around your property. Cats, especially when they are young, can easily get over even a 10' high fence. We also consider bus routes and the proximity of local schools as these can lead to increased traffic at certain times of the day, and thus a higher risk for the cat. In some marginal cases our home visitor might be able suggest a different cat, for example an older cat that is less likely to stray very far. Because we realise it is very disappointing to be told your location is not suitable, we ask you about this early in the process. Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our animals.
What is the procedure for adopting a cat? Expand Please complete our Adoption Enquiry form or phone us. We will talk to you about your requirements and where you live (we will not re-home within 100m of a busy road or train line) and we'll make an appointment to show you any suitable animal(s). You will be encouraged to spend some time with the cat so that you can handle and bond with it. If this goes well and you would like to adopt you will then complete one of our reservation forms. One of our experienced volunteers will contact you within a few days to arrange a video call, a 'virtual' home visit. If that is successful the cat will be checked by our vet and, if the vet is satisfied that it is in good health, you will be contacted to arrange to collect your new pet. When you come to pick it up there will be some paperwork to complete and the adoption fee to pay.
Who will do my home visit? Expand In the current COVID-19 situation, one of our experienced volunteers will drive past your home to assess road/rail safety. This is to ensure that it is a safe and suitable space for the animal you have chosen and that the new pet will be a good match for your lifestyle and family. A 'virtual' home visit will then take place via video call.
I have seen a cat I like on the internet. Can I reserve it over the telephone or via facebook? Expand No. Reservations must be made in person and after meeting and handling the cat. Cats have very distinct personalities and it is essential that you meet and spend time with a cat before deciding that it is the one for you.
What about insuring a cat I adopt from you? Expand All cats leave us with 4 weeks free Pet Plan insurance cover. You then have the option to renew this cover or to look into other policies.