Cat Adoption Process & Fees

view our adoptable cats
cat adoption application

Adoption Process

Complete an online application

Start by filling out the application here

  • this is the first step and does not obligate you in any way.

  • all applicants will receive email confirmation that includes next steps and important information. Please check your spam folder.

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Reference and Vet Check

Applications are regularly reviewed, but please allow up to one week for processing. As part of the screening process, we will:

  • call veterinarian to verify that your current/previous pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and well cared for.

  • if you rent, we’ll contact your landlord to confirm pet policies and any breed or size restrictions

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Contact from an Adoption Counselor

An adoption counselor will call the most promising lead first. We follow up on only one lead at a time. If that lead fails to match, only then will we move on to the next most promising lead.

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Schedule a Meet & Greet

When you're ready to proceed with a specific cat, an adoption counselor will work with you to schedule a Meet & Greet usually at the home where the cat is fostered. All household members must attend to meet the cat you're interested in. 

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Start the Sleepover Period

After a successful Meet & Greet, you’ll begin a minimum 7-day sleepover to ensure a good fit between you and the cat.

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Finalize the Adoption or Return to Rochester Rascals

If at any point it’s not the right match, you will return the cat to the foster home.

If everyone in your family agrees to move forward with adoption, you'll:

  • Receive a digital adoption contract via email.

  • Complete the paperwork and submit payment.

  • Receive a confirmation email and access the cat’s medical records.

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Welcome to the Family!​

Congratulations - you’re a Rascal for life! We’d love for you to follow the Rascals Facebook & Instagram pages to keep in contact with us and to cheer on our future Rascal rescues!

Adoption Fees

All fees are owed at the time of adoption and are nonrefundable

Up to 1 years old: $225.00
1 - 7 years old: $150.00
8+ years old: $50.00
Mom & 1 baby: $275
2 kittens(under 1 year): $350

Adoption fees only cover a fraction of our care to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome.

We believe every animal deserves a chance, regardless of their circumstances and medical needs. Adoption fee helps offset the cost of care, it never covers everything. Many of our animals require extensive veterinary treatment, behavioral training, and long-term foster support.

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Your adoption fee helps cover

  • A fluffy cream-colored kitten with blue eyes walking on green grass in a sunny outdoor setting.

    Spay or Neuter

    All pets are spayed or neutered before adoption to help eliminate the unwanted pet population and significantly decrease euthanasia numbers.

  • A black and white cat with green eyes sitting on a bamboo surface in front of a green wall.

    Microchip

    Each pet is microchipped and registration is transferred to your contact information upon adoption to ensure a quick reunion should your pet get lost.

  • Close-up of a surprised or curious cream-colored cat with wide eyes and mouth slightly open, showing small sharp teeth.

    Vaccinations

    Includes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia & Rabies vaccinations.

  • Close-up of a kitten's face with blue eyes, showing its ears, fur, and paws against a white background.

    FeLV, FIV, and FeHW testing

    Testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline heartworm (FeHW) prevents the spread of disease and protects the other cats in your family.

  • A cute light brown tabby kitten with green eyes, sitting on a light blue surface, reaching upward with one paw, against a light blue background.

    Medical Treatment

    Our animals are sometimes in need of life-saving medical care. Fees & donations make it possible to give all the care they deserve!

  • Group of adorable kittens sitting together inside a wooden basket with a plain white background.

    Premature Litters

    Bottle feeding babies requires a team of dedicated round the clock volunteers and specialized nutrition and supplies.

  • A person with closed eyes wearing a striped sweater, holding a tabby cat with green eyes and a striped coat, both resting peacefully.

    Foster Care

    crates, beds, food, prevention are all provided by the rescue so that the only thing fosters need to provide is love.

  • Close-up of a kitten with blue eyes, surrounded by soft, blurred background and green fabric.

    Prevention

    Flea & tick and broad spectrum worm prevention are critical to keep our pets healthy

*Upon adoption, all cats are microchipped with lifetime registration, spayed or neutered, and fully vaccinated. This includes Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia & Rabies vaccinations.

All cats are FeLV, FIV, and FeHW  tested, and receive monthly flea/tick/worm prevention and appropriate veterinary care throughout the duration of their time with Rochester Rascals.​

Adoption fees help offset medical care, food & supplies, prevention, and other expenses associated with rescuing our animals. The expenses for each rescued animal always exceed our adoption fees.

Please note that adoption fees are not tax-deductible.
view our adoptable cats
cat adoption application