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Pet Smart kittens & cats?



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 2nd 07, 06:15 AM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Sheelagh >o
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 350
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?


I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)

The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we don't
have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,
it either has to be from an adoption centre, or a layperson selling
them
through the free ads, or a breeder. I can't think of any other way you
can
get one over here. I am sure that If I am wrong, someone will correct
me.

I'm not sure if it is legal to sell a cat or kitten in a shop anymore?
Any Brits know this one?

I was wondering if we should be considering your methods of homing, &
wondered what it entails?
( adopting one from Petsmart?)
I would be most interested to know how it all works & what you think
of the
idea too?
Thanks in advance,
Sheelagh "o"

  #2  
Old September 2nd 07, 06:31 AM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Sherry
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,176
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?

On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:
I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.

It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.

Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.




The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we don't
have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,
it either has to be from an adoption centre, or a layperson selling
them
through the free ads, or a breeder. I can't think of any other way you
can
get one over here. I am sure that If I am wrong, someone will correct
me.

I'm not sure if it is legal to sell a cat or kitten in a shop anymore?
Any Brits know this one?

I was wondering if we should be considering your methods of homing, &
wondered what it entails?
( adopting one from Petsmart?)
I would be most interested to know how it all works & what you think
of the
idea too?
Thanks in advance,
Sheelagh "o"



  #3  
Old September 2nd 07, 08:57 AM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
MaryL
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,779
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?


"Sherry" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:
I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.

It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.

Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.





That's how it works here, too. We have both PetSmart and PetSense, and they
have similar arrangements. Both have been excellent sources for adoptions
from our local Alley Cats Allies. Kittens and adoptable cats are fostered
first to socialize them, then are available from Adopt-a-Thons that are held
twice a month through either PetSmart and PetSense. Adoptive "parents" sign
an agreement to return the cats if they are unable to keep them, and they
agree not to have them declawed. All cats are spay/neutered and
vetted/innoculated *before* adoption. That's how I became a "sponsor mom"
to two kittens this summer -- I did not adopt or foster them, but I paid for
their veterinary bills so they could be fostered and then placed through the
Adopt-a-Thons. Carmen was quickly adopted, but Chelsea has not yet been
adopted. I wish they could have been adopted as a pair, but Carmen is in a
home where she is already "queen of the household," and Chelsea will be
fostered until an adoptive home can be found.

MaryL


  #4  
Old September 2nd 07, 09:27 AM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
MaryL
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,779
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?


"Sheelagh o" wrote in message
ups.com...

I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)

The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we don't
have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,
it either has to be from an adoption centre, or a layperson selling
them
through the free ads, or a breeder. I can't think of any other way you
can
get one over here. I am sure that If I am wrong, someone will correct
me.

I'm not sure if it is legal to sell a cat or kitten in a shop anymore?
Any Brits know this one?

I was wondering if we should be considering your methods of homing, &
wondered what it entails?
( adopting one from Petsmart?)
I would be most interested to know how it all works & what you think
of the
idea too?
Thanks in advance,
Sheelagh "o"


In addition to what I wrote in response to Sherry's message, I would like to
point out that pets that are adopted from animal shelters and from sites
like PetSmart and PetSense are *not* sold. Unlike pet stores and breeders
that do sell cats and dogs, these sites place pets for adoptions (and also
have a process for checking references from vets and others). Many of them
have a minimal charge to *partially* cover the cost of boarding and vetting,
but they definitely are not sold.

MaryL


  #5  
Old September 2nd 07, 01:06 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Sheelagh >o
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 350
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?

On 2 Sep, 06:31, Sherry wrote:
On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:

I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.

It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.

Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.





The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we don't
have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,
it either has to be from an adoption centre, or a layperson selling
them
through the free ads, or a breeder. I can't think of any other way you
can
get one over here. I am sure that If I am wrong, someone will correct
me.


I'm not sure if it is legal to sell a cat or kitten in a shop anymore?
Any Brits know this one?


I was wondering if we should be considering your methods of homing, &
wondered what it entails?
( adopting one from Petsmart?)
I would be most interested to know how it all works & what you think
of the
idea too?
Thanks in advance,
Sheelagh "o"- Hide quoted text -


- Show quoted text -


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.


What a fantastic idea!!!!

slapping my forehead

I can't think why no one over here hasn't come up with the same idea?
I wonder if it is because there are difficulties in getting around the
law here? I shall make it my mission to find out.

It is one of the best idea's that I have heard in a long time!! I will
get on to my line manager @ the cat protection league to see if we
can't try out a similar program over here. We don't have exactly the
same shops here, but we do have similar ones. Our local one is called
Pets at Home,(it's like a warehouse shop) which of course is an ideal
logo too.
As it is part of a chain of shops, I wouldn't expect it to happen
overnight, however, I do think this might be achievable if we ask in
the right way.

First, we have to find out if there is some law that prevents us from
doing a similar scheme here to that which have related to me- Then we
need to find out when it is best for them, & work around them (If they
agree to that is...) I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't,
because it gives them a good name in the name of charity. If people
knew that this was a regular thing, it would also be a crowd puller
too, which of course is in the shops benefit. You know how it is- you
go to the shop for milk, then come back with butter, milk, eggs,
bread, jam & tea cake too. Well, it is the same when you go to buy cat
litter too, isn't it?

It would bring a huge sigh of relief to some of our foster parents as
well. I know that over this summer, I have cared for a set couple of
kittens from 6 weeks old, then I had a mother & her 4 kittens, a pair
of snow shoes too, as well as a big fat tabby female for 4 weeks. I
know that I am not alone, because they were crying out for more foster
homes to care for these cats. As fast as one leaves, there is another
to take their place & we had to home these cats our self, which is
hard work, when you are waiting for the client to come your way,
things don't move that fast. Now, if we were able to actually show the
public what we had to offer, that would be a whole new ball game )

I'm delighted that I asked about this now. I just noticed people
mentioning that they got this or that cat from Pet shop, & although I
did realise that they were being adopted rather than bought, I didn't
like to make myself look a complete fool for asking. : I'm so pleased
I have now. If anyone has any other input that might help us out in
our quest to see if we can get a similar scheme up & running over
here.

We have adoption centers rather like you do, & we have open days where
we have like a carnival atmosphere, with rides, car boot sales, shows,
& stalls like a fete does, & that brings people into the centers, with
the same object- Whilst you are here"Why not look around & meet our
animals"? It does help too. We end up adopting 3 times as many cats as
we would normally do. Mind you, if we had the pulling power of a pet
shop, & an in house vet, there is a very high possibility that we
would have a similar response there too.

It can only do the shop the power of good if they were seen to be
"hands on" helping out the cat protection league, that is a sure fact.
We already get dinted tins of food from them & the odd bag of litter
here & there. I am certain that if we could present this in the right
fashion to them, that they would agree to it.
Any further input would be very much appreciated please?
Thank you Sherry, that has been very enlightening )
Sheelagh"o"

  #6  
Old September 2nd 07, 01:20 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Sheelagh >o
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 350
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?

On 2 Sep, 08:57, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Sherry" wrote in message

ups.com...





On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:
I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.


It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.


Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.


That's how it works here, too. We have both PetSmart and PetSense, and they
have similar arrangements. Both have been excellent sources for adoptions
from our local Alley Cats Allies. Kittens and adoptable cats are fostered
first to socialize them, then are available from Adopt-a-Thons that are held
twice a month through either PetSmart and PetSense. Adoptive "parents" sign
an agreement to return the cats if they are unable to keep them, and they
agree not to have them declawed. All cats are spay/neutered and
vetted/innoculated *before* adoption. That's how I became a "sponsor mom"
to two kittens this summer -- I did not adopt or foster them, but I paid for
their veterinary bills so they could be fostered and then placed through the
Adopt-a-Thons. Carmen was quickly adopted, but Chelsea has not yet been
adopted. I wish they could have been adopted as a pair, but Carmen is in a
home where she is already "queen of the household," and Chelsea will be
fostered until an adoptive home can be found.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Oh that is really nice Mary. I'm sorry that they couldn't be homed
together too. It's a shame, but better one is homed than neither for
waiting for a home that might come along. This sponsoring sounds like
the ideal Christmas gift for the mother who has everything she ever
wanted (within reason that is!!)....

If you read my reply to sherry, you will note that I did mean to say
adopt, rather than buy. It is an excellent idea, so I am asking if
anyone knows of any stumbling block that we might come across, please
do feel free to point it out? The more prepared we are when presenting
our case, the easier it will be for us to get them to agree with us.
As far as I am aware, there is no law preventing adoptions in shop, so
as long as we can get round that obstacle, things should go in our
favour.

We also have similar adoption schemes to the one that you describe. We
find that children are the most generous believe it or not. They make
a covenant to donate x amount every month from their accounts, & we
send them letters from the cats & up to date photos every quarter as
well. The wonderful thing is, that the kids write back to their chosen
cat's. it's really sweet. I have just volunteered to respond to
letters recently. I never had the confidence until now to try & give
it a go, but I figure with a spell checker, & a few kids to point out
my bad grammar, I should be able to to this without too many hitches,
lol )

Thank you for your story Mary & for the pointers, guides &
explanations as well. They really are helpful
Best Wishes,
Sheelagh "o"

  #7  
Old September 2nd 07, 01:42 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Lesley
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,700
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?

On 1 Sep, 22:15, "Sheelagh o" wrote:
The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we
don't
have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,



A place not so far from where I live calls itself something like "East
End Puppies" and according to the signs (I only go past when its
closed) sells puppies and kittens and a year or so ago, a friend was
telling me about a local pet shop that had kittens in its windows for
sale so it does go on but I don't think it's that common. Indeed at
least one or two local petshops refuse to sell any live animals at
all. The one I use is happy to put up cards from people with animals
needing homes and to act as a contact between would-be cat slaves and
the local rescue but refuses to sell any live animal
including fish (he refers people to a local aquarium shop), which is
one reason I use the place

In London we don't have "pets At Home" (is that it?) or anything like
that, I think there's one in Romford, which is quite a way away (It
was there the last time I was there but since mum died I really don't
have any reason to go back there so that must have been a few years
ago). I gather they're cheap but if you don't drive how do you get
half a ton of cat litter back? A cab would completely eradicate any
savings

Still if you have such a place locally I think it would be an
excellent idea to organise adoptions- anything that helps cats find
their forever homes is a good idea

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs

  #8  
Old September 2nd 07, 02:22 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
Sheelagh >o
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 350
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?

On 2 Sep, 13:42, Lesley wrote:
On 1 Sep, 22:15, "Sheelagh o" wrote:
The reason that I am so interested is because over in the UK, we
don't

have
anything like that. You can buy fish, guinea Pigs, hamsters, Snakes,
birds,
rabbits & occasionally chinchillas from a pet shop.......But, never
dogs, cats,
puppies, & kittens. If you want to get a cat or a dog or kittens and
puppies,


A place not so far from where I live calls itself something like "East
End Puppies" and according to the signs (I only go past when its
closed) sells puppies and kittens and a year or so ago, a friend was
telling me about a local pet shop that had kittens in its windows for
sale so it does go on but I don't think it's that common. Indeed at
least one or two local petshops refuse to sell any live animals at
all. The one I use is happy to put up cards from people with animals
needing homes and to act as a contact between would-be cat slaves and
the local rescue but refuses to sell any live animal
including fish (he refers people to a local aquarium shop), which is
one reason I use the place

In London we don't have "pets At Home" (is that it?) or anything like
that, I think there's one in Romford, which is quite a way away (It
was there the last time I was there but since mum died I really don't
have any reason to go back there so that must have been a few years
ago). I gather they're cheap but if you don't drive how do you get
half a ton of cat litter back? A cab would completely eradicate any
savings

Still if you have such a place locally I think it would be an
excellent idea to organise adoptions- anything that helps cats find
their forever homes is a good idea

Lesley

Slave of the Fabulous Furballs


Big Grin
Hi Lesley,
A place not so far from where I live calls itself something like "East
End Puppies" and according to the signs (I only go past when its
closed) sells puppies and kittens and a year or so ago, a friend was
telling me about a local pet shop that had kittens in its windows for
sale so it does go on but I don't think it's that common. Indeed at
least one or two local petshops refuse to sell any live animals at
all. The one I use is happy to put up cards from people with animals
needing homes and to act as a contact between would-be cat slaves and
the local rescue but refuses to sell any live animal
including fish (he refers people to a local aquarium shop), which is
one reason I use the place


Amazing, I thought they had died out & gone away. I suppose there must
be some licenses that have to be approved before they can keep live
pets, & the possibilities are that the hassle Is not worth the
inconvenience to most retailers in pet supplies. Imagine the walking,
cleaning-out & 365 / 7/ 24hour care they require on Christmas morning
ect. I would imagine that is the basis for the reason. Nice to know
that there are one or two still around though. I can remember coming
back to the UK on Holiday, & one of my best treats used to be visiting
the pet shop, so that I could cuddle the kittens. It was a total
"Must", every holiday, Lol...

In London we don't have "pets At Home" (is that it?) or anything like
that, I think there's one in Romford, which is quite a way away (It
was there the last time I was there but since mum died I really don't
have any reason to go back there so that must have been a few years
ago). I gather they're cheap but if you don't drive how do you get
half a ton of cat litter back? A cab would completely eradicate any
savings


I'll let you into a little secret Lesley...I go up the road to a local
farmer who stocks whatever food I want, including Pets@Home kitten
food, cheaper than they can sell it to me direct. I very much support
local pet shops. I see them dropping like flies because of the new
superstores, & there is nothing that they seem to be able to do to
compete. Having said that, you don't get the kind of service in a
superstore that you normally get in a local pet shop, do you? I do
admit that I go to them for industrial loads of cat litter though. You
can imagine how much we get through with up to 12 cats & kittens @ a
time. can't you?!!! I drive, so it isn't so bad. I either take a son
to get them off the shelves for me, or I find a nice assistant playing
with food labels, & put them to work filling my industrial trolley
load of industrial cat litter, then I get them to load the car up too.
Excellent! What ore could I possibly expect? )

Still if you have such a place locally I think it would be an
excellent idea to organise adoptions- anything that helps cats find
their forever homes is a good idea


I have to agree with you there. I find that it doesn't matter when I
go there, there are always @ least about 50 people in store every
single time, so the pulling potential is there. With a vet in store
too, there are also caring cat slaves who attend the shop as well. If
you said only half of them looked @ the cats & kittens, & a quarter of
them adopted, that would mean up to & possibly over 10 homes a week.
That would be excellent. Minimum age for kittens is 14 weeks, because
they can't have thier second jabs done until then..We also have a
high rate of kittens and mother packages. Mind you, by 14 weeks old,
Mummy is quite pleased to see Tiddles & Tinkerbell on their way off in
the world without her, Lol...
I understand how they must feel )

(Don't forget that the summer break is nearly over & there are 4kids
still @ home here- well, that is my excuse anyway!!)
I have already called my coordinator to put the idea to her, & she is
ringing head office to ask permission to ask if we might take part in
a similar scheme to our friends across the pond- So, ALL Thoughts
welcomed.

I haven't spoken to you for some time, we were wondering if you are in
the new place, whether you managed to hold onto your old place, or
whether you had to move in the end, & also how Dave is doing too?
Hope all is well with you both & the moggies too of course!
sending head buts & leg weaves from ours to yours
Best Wishes Lesley,
Sheelagh "o"

  #9  
Old September 2nd 07, 02:37 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
MaryL
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,779
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?


"Sheelagh o" wrote in message
ups.com...
On 2 Sep, 08:57, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Sherry" wrote in message

ups.com...





On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:
I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)


This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.


It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.


Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.


That's how it works here, too. We have both PetSmart and PetSense, and
they
have similar arrangements. Both have been excellent sources for
adoptions
from our local Alley Cats Allies. Kittens and adoptable cats are
fostered
first to socialize them, then are available from Adopt-a-Thons that are
held
twice a month through either PetSmart and PetSense. Adoptive "parents"
sign
an agreement to return the cats if they are unable to keep them, and they
agree not to have them declawed. All cats are spay/neutered and
vetted/innoculated *before* adoption. That's how I became a "sponsor
mom"
to two kittens this summer -- I did not adopt or foster them, but I paid
for
their veterinary bills so they could be fostered and then placed through
the
Adopt-a-Thons. Carmen was quickly adopted, but Chelsea has not yet been
adopted. I wish they could have been adopted as a pair, but Carmen is in
a
home where she is already "queen of the household," and Chelsea will be
fostered until an adoptive home can be found.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Oh that is really nice Mary. I'm sorry that they couldn't be homed
together too. It's a shame, but better one is homed than neither for
waiting for a home that might come along. This sponsoring sounds like
the ideal Christmas gift for the mother who has everything she ever
wanted (within reason that is!!)....

If you read my reply to sherry, you will note that I did mean to say
adopt, rather than buy. It is an excellent idea, so I am asking if
anyone knows of any stumbling block that we might come across, please
do feel free to point it out? The more prepared we are when presenting
our case, the easier it will be for us to get them to agree with us.
As far as I am aware, there is no law preventing adoptions in shop, so
as long as we can get round that obstacle, things should go in our
favour.

We also have similar adoption schemes to the one that you describe. We
find that children are the most generous believe it or not. They make
a covenant to donate x amount every month from their accounts, & we
send them letters from the cats & up to date photos every quarter as
well. The wonderful thing is, that the kids write back to their chosen
cat's. it's really sweet. I have just volunteered to respond to
letters recently. I never had the confidence until now to try & give
it a go, but I figure with a spell checker, & a few kids to point out
my bad grammar, I should be able to to this without too many hitches,
lol )

Thank you for your story Mary & for the pointers, guides &
explanations as well. They really are helpful
Best Wishes,
Sheelagh "o"


I don't know of any disadvantages (assuming you check out legal
arrangements/restrictions, as you stated). In fact, a good way for you to
present the idea to a pet supply store is to point out that there is
actually a financial benefit to them. We advertise our Adopt-a-Thons
through e-mail, flyers, etc., and they bring in a sizable number of
people -- including people who just want to look instead of adopt. Those
same people then wander around the store and often make a number of
purchases.

It is important for you to be well organized. Each cat or kitten should be
brought in a separate carrier, except for those that are normally kept
together. Our local rescue group has portable wire cages that are used for
this purpose instead of the traditional carriers so people can get a good
look at all of the cats. All cats and kittens brought in must be vetted and
innoculated *before* bringing them to the Adopt-a-Thons -- you don't want to
take any chances of spreading disease. They also must be socialized in a
foster home first -- you also don't want any scratches or bites. We always
have several people from the local rescue group on hand and bring chairs for
them to sit in. Each of them will have a kitten or two out of the cage and
in their laps if there is not too much activity going on, and this gives
prospective "parents" an opportunity to pet and cuddle with the cats. That
is a very good way to attact attention -- but they *must* be very calm cats
or kittens because we *also* do not want to take any risk that the cat will
become frightened and try to run away. It would be a good idea to place the
cats in a harness with lead when they are out of the carriers.

We *never* simply send a cat home from the Adopt-a-Thon, and we also do not
make a definitive decision regarding the question of whether we will approve
the adoption. Instead, we have paperwork available, conduct an informal
discussion with questions about experience and how the person intends to
care for his or her new furbaby, and a potential adopter can place a
temporary "hold" on a specific pet (or pets). The paperwork includes
references (especially from vets). We do a preliminary assessment of
suitability, later check all references, and then do a more complete
assessment later in the home of the foster parents when all parties can be
brought together in a more normal atmosphere. We have had a great deal of
success, but it is not intended as an "instant" process -- we want good
homes, not future tragedies.

MaryL


  #10  
Old September 2nd 07, 02:50 PM posted to rec.pets.cats.health+behav
MaryL
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,779
Default Pet Smart kittens & cats?


"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
. ..

"Sheelagh o" wrote in message
ups.com...
On 2 Sep, 08:57, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Sherry" wrote in message

ups.com...





On Sep 2, 12:15 am, "Sheelagh o"
wrote:
I have noticed over several months that many of our American friends
are
involved in Petsmart adoption days @ Petsmart. Would I be right in
assuming
that rescue dogs & cats are available for adoption on Saturdays &
Sundays?
How does this work? Does it mean that each shelter gets the chance to
put up
their most needy for adoption, or their most easy to home animals?
Also, how
do you all feel about this? ( I remember recently that Wendy went to
pick
some up after their trip to Petsmart, this is why I am asking the
question.)

This is how our Petsmart adoptions work; keep in mind I'm not sure
whether all
stores have the same policies.
Petsmart simply gives the store space rent-free to a local rescue org.
They bring animals in
from the shelter, and from foster homes, on weekends for "adoptions".
During the week, and
any other time, there's an area of cages in the stores for a few cats
chosen to stay there. It's
called "multi-cat". They are cared for by the rescue volunteers or
staff. Petsmart donates food and
litter.
Petsmart does not sell cats, or dogs. The adoptions are through the
rescue agency. The same strict
screening applies to potential adoptors the same as if they were
adopting from the regular shelter location.
Adoption fees apply, usuall around $70-$100. The animals are already
neutered and are vet-checked
and current on their vaccinations.

It is a wonderful opportunity for these animals to get far more
exposure than they would advertised from
foster homes, or in the shelter.

Our Petsmart also donates bags of litter that may have damaged
packaging, and the same for food, for foster families
to use at home.

That's how it works here, too. We have both PetSmart and PetSense, and
they
have similar arrangements. Both have been excellent sources for
adoptions
from our local Alley Cats Allies. Kittens and adoptable cats are
fostered
first to socialize them, then are available from Adopt-a-Thons that are
held
twice a month through either PetSmart and PetSense. Adoptive "parents"
sign
an agreement to return the cats if they are unable to keep them, and
they
agree not to have them declawed. All cats are spay/neutered and
vetted/innoculated *before* adoption. That's how I became a "sponsor
mom"
to two kittens this summer -- I did not adopt or foster them, but I paid
for
their veterinary bills so they could be fostered and then placed through
the
Adopt-a-Thons. Carmen was quickly adopted, but Chelsea has not yet been
adopted. I wish they could have been adopted as a pair, but Carmen is
in a
home where she is already "queen of the household," and Chelsea will be
fostered until an adoptive home can be found.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Oh that is really nice Mary. I'm sorry that they couldn't be homed
together too. It's a shame, but better one is homed than neither for
waiting for a home that might come along. This sponsoring sounds like
the ideal Christmas gift for the mother who has everything she ever
wanted (within reason that is!!)....

If you read my reply to sherry, you will note that I did mean to say
adopt, rather than buy. It is an excellent idea, so I am asking if
anyone knows of any stumbling block that we might come across, please
do feel free to point it out? The more prepared we are when presenting
our case, the easier it will be for us to get them to agree with us.
As far as I am aware, there is no law preventing adoptions in shop, so
as long as we can get round that obstacle, things should go in our
favour.

We also have similar adoption schemes to the one that you describe. We
find that children are the most generous believe it or not. They make
a covenant to donate x amount every month from their accounts, & we
send them letters from the cats & up to date photos every quarter as
well. The wonderful thing is, that the kids write back to their chosen
cat's. it's really sweet. I have just volunteered to respond to
letters recently. I never had the confidence until now to try & give
it a go, but I figure with a spell checker, & a few kids to point out
my bad grammar, I should be able to to this without too many hitches,
lol )

Thank you for your story Mary & for the pointers, guides &
explanations as well. They really are helpful
Best Wishes,
Sheelagh "o"


I don't know of any disadvantages (assuming you check out legal
arrangements/restrictions, as you stated). In fact, a good way for you to
present the idea to a pet supply store is to point out that there is
actually a financial benefit to them. We advertise our Adopt-a-Thons
through e-mail, flyers, etc., and they bring in a sizable number of
people -- including people who just want to look instead of adopt. Those
same people then wander around the store and often make a number of
purchases.

It is important for you to be well organized. Each cat or kitten should
be brought in a separate carrier, except for those that are normally kept
together. Our local rescue group has portable wire cages that are used
for this purpose instead of the traditional carriers so people can get a
good look at all of the cats. All cats and kittens brought in must be
vetted and innoculated *before* bringing them to the Adopt-a-Thons -- you
don't want to take any chances of spreading disease. They also must be
socialized in a foster home first -- you also don't want any scratches or
bites. We always have several people from the local rescue group on hand
and bring chairs for them to sit in. Each of them will have a kitten or
two out of the cage and in their laps if there is not too much activity
going on, and this gives prospective "parents" an opportunity to pet and
cuddle with the cats. That is a very good way to attact attention -- but
they *must* be very calm cats or kittens because we *also* do not want to
take any risk that the cat will become frightened and try to run away. It
would be a good idea to place the cats in a harness with lead when they
are out of the carriers.

We *never* simply send a cat home from the Adopt-a-Thon, and we also do
not make a definitive decision regarding the question of whether we will
approve the adoption. Instead, we have paperwork available, conduct an
informal discussion with questions about experience and how the person
intends to care for his or her new furbaby, and a potential adopter can
place a temporary "hold" on a specific pet (or pets). The paperwork
includes references (especially from vets). We do a preliminary
assessment of suitability, later check all references, and then do a more
complete assessment later in the home of the foster parents when all
parties can be brought together in a more normal atmosphere. We have had
a great deal of success, but it is not intended as an "instant" process --
we want good homes, not future tragedies.

MaryL


One final point: It is *very* important to *charge* a minimal amount for
expenses (vetting and boarding). The amount charged usually does cover the
actual expenses, but it is important (1) to discourage those who will not
provide necessary care for their new furbabies and (2) to provide a
continuing source of income to rescue still others. At least in the US,
there is another reason -- some people would adopt these little ones to be
used for other larger animals. That won't happen if an adequate fee is
assessed (but this is an adoption fee and not selling, as I said earlier,
because actual costs are considerably higher). On a related note, I only
paid $25.00 to the shelter when I adopted Duffy. That's because they had a
standard fee of $75.00, but Duffy had previously been neutered an adopted
(then returned -- an idiotic decision). I have often told people that that
is the best $25.00 "investment" I could ever have made! Duffy is so
wonderful that I later sent checks to the shelter in his honor.

MaryL


 




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