Cat adoption melbourne Victoria
Each year, we find loving new homes for more than 10, 000 animals. We're committed to helping you find a companion that is a perfect match for your family, home and lifestyle.All of our adoption animals are health and behaviour checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and up to date with flea and worm treatments, which is all included in the adoption fee.
Please see below for some frequently asked questions about adopting from the RSPCA.
How long does the adoption process take?
Adoptions can take more than 30 minutes, so please make sure you allow enough time for this when you visit us. You can get a head-start on the adoption process by completing our adoption questionnaire and bringing it along when you visit one of our adoption centres (questionnaire not required for Burwood East adoptions).
Please note that increased waiting times are likely during busy adoption periods, such as weekends, holidays and promotions.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
Is it a good idea to give an animal as a gift?
Getting an animal as a present should always be a well-thought-out decision that everyone in the family agrees to. But as long as everyone is on board, a companion animal can be a wonderful addition to a household. If each person commits to look after the animal, the newest furry family member will bring incredible joy and unconditional love.
Our adoption staff will always ensure that an animal is the right match for the family and their home environment. If our trained team suspect that getting an animal may be a rash decision, or if an animal is not the right fit for a household, we will talk through the commitments to ensure the person or family is fully aware of their responsibilities. If necessary, RSPCA Victoria will reject the adoption application.
Hence, the adoption process remains exactly the same even when a discount is offered. Once an interested adopter has expressed interest in an animal, RSPCA staff will begin by ensuring the animal is the right match for the potential new home. For example, an animal that prefers a quiet, mature household may not be well-suited to a home with young children.
An animal attendant will then provide the interested adopter with details about the animal, including the services or treatments the animal has received e.g., desexing, microchipping and parasite control. They will also discuss the animal’s diet, and any medications or regular treatments they may require eg, flea, intestinal worming and vaccinations, including the dates that these are due.
Each new owner will go home with an animal health check card. This will include important, individual information about the animal, including the date when the animal received vaccinations and parasite control. If relevant, the card will also tell the owner when the cat will need to undergo desexing stitch removal. The adopter will also receive a copy of a pet adoption booklet which answers common questions about pet care.
Following the adoption, RSPCA Victoria is also able to provide over-the-phone support if the new owners have a question or concern.
Can I put an animal on hold?
Animals may be put on hold on a case-by-case basis unless it is during a RSPCA Promotions Campaign such as 'Clear the Shelter'. Holds may be arranged at the discretion of adoption staff.
Can I have an animal transferred to a closer RSPCA adoption centre?
Due to resource limitations, we are usually not able to transfer animals between
RSPCA adoption centres. In some cases, arrangements may be made under exceptional circumstances. Transfers may be arranged on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the shelter supervisor.
Can I adopt from interstate?
If you live interstate and are interested in adopting a particular animal from RSPCA Victoria, please contact the relevant RSPCA adoption centre directly to discuss. This possibility depends on the individual animal and whether it will cope with interstate travel, along with your ability to travel to Victoria to go through the standard adoption process.
Can I adopt if I live in a rental property?
It is important you seek approval from your landlord before making the decision to adopt. When you visit us to adopt an animal, please make sure you bring a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord, along with his/her contact details.
Can I bring along my existing pets?
If you want to adopt a dog and already have one at home, it will be very important that you bring your dog along when you visit us so we can make sure they get along with each other.
Cats are fairly susceptible to stress, so if you want to adopt a cat and already have one at home, please do not bring your existing cat along when you visit us. Instead, our adoption staff will have a chat with you and help you find a cat that is likely to be a good match for your existing cat.
If you want to adopt a rabbit and already have one at home, it will be very important that you bring your rabbit along when you visit us so we can make sure they get along with each other.
If you want to adopt a guinea pig and already have one at home, it will be very important that you bring your guinea pig along when you visit us so we can make sure they get along with each other.
