Standard Adoption Policy

Below is our formal adoption process for kittens and cats. Please review carefully before submitting your application.

At Kitten Rescue Australia, our goal is to ensure every cat and kitten is placed in a safe, loving, and permanent home. All of our animals are fully vetted before adoption — this includes desexing, microchipping, vaccination, and up-to-date flea and worming treatment. The adoption fee (generally $350 for most cats and kittens, and $850 for pedigreed cats) covers these veterinary procedures.

Kittens are typically ready for adoption from around 12 weeks of age, though this can vary depending on individual development. To secure your chosen kitten or cat, a 50% deposit is required, with the balance due prior to collection. Please note that deposits are non-refundable; however, if circumstances change, the deposit may be transferred towards another available kitten or cat within our care.

Adoption is a lifelong responsibility, as many cats live well beyond 15 years. Prospective adopters should be prepared not only for the adoption fee but also for the ongoing costs of responsible pet ownership, including annual vaccinations, check-ups, dental care, and potential emergency treatment.

As part of the process, adopters will be invited to meet their prospective cat or kitten at one of our foster adoption sites, accompanied by a Kitten Rescue Australia representative. This step ensures that both the adopter and the animal are a good match. If either party feels the placement is unsuitable, the adoption will not proceed. Finalising the adoption requires valid photo identification so that ownership paperwork can be correctly completed.

By submitting an application, adopters confirm they have read and understood these terms and agree to provide a caring, safe, and permanent home for the cat or kitten they adopt.

Below is our pre-adoption process for kittens aged 10 weeks and above. Please review carefully before submitting your pre-adoption application.

1. Eligibility
    
   • Pre-adoptions are available for kittens 10 weeks and older.
      
   • A pre-adoption secures the kitten until they reach 2kg, at which point they will undergo desexing, vaccination, microchipping, flea and worm treatment.
      

1. Vetting Requirements
    
   • Kitten Rescue Australia (KRA) only adopts out kittens and cats once they are fully vetted.
      
   • All veterinary work required for adoption is carried out through our nominated veterinary partners.
      

1. Payment
    
   • Adoption fees are paid directly to the nominated vet.
      
   • In cases where pre-adoption occurs before full vetting is complete, KRA will pre-pay the adoption fee to the nominated vet to cover the cost of required veterinary procedures.
      

1. Discretionary Approval
    
   • If you wish to take a kitten home prior to completion of full vetting, you may submit a request.
      
   • Approval of such requests is at the sole discretion of Kitten Rescue Australia.
      
   • In these cases, the adoption fee will be directed to the nominated vet in advance to ensure all procedures are completed on schedule.
      

1. Authorisation Requirement
    
   • Cats and kittens under the care of Kitten Rescue Australia must not be taken to external veterinarians or receive veterinary treatment without prior written consent from KRA.
      
   • KRA is not liable for any veterinary expenses incurred without consent.
      

1. Responsibility of Adopters
    
   • Adopters agree to comply with KRA’s adoption policies, including the pre-adoption process and veterinary care guidelines.
      
   • Any deviation from the approved process may result in forfeiture of adoption.
      

As a carer for rescued animals, you have important legal obligations under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW). Ensuring the welfare and safety of animals in your care is a priority. 

Below is a summary of your obligations under these laws:

1. Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW)

The Companion Animals Act outlines the responsibilities of owners and carers of pets to ensure their well-being, safety, and responsible management. As a carer, you are required to:

• Microchipping & Registration: Ensure that all kittens are microchipped and registered with the local council before they are rehomed. Maintain accurate records of each animal’s microchip number and registration details.
• Vaccination & Health: Ensure that each kitten is up-to-date on vaccinations and receives veterinary care as needed prior to rehoming.
• Identification: All kittens must have identification, such as a collar with a tag or microchip, as per council requirements.
• Containment: Kittens and cats must be safely contained on your property, ensuring they do not wander onto neighboring properties or pose a danger to themselves or others.
• Nuisance Behavior: Take reasonable measures to prevent your animals from causing a nuisance (e.g., excessive noise or damage to property).

2. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW)

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act aims to prevent the mistreatment of animals and ensure they are treated with care and respect. As a carer, you must adhere to the following obligations:

• Adequate Food, Water & Shelter: Provide each kitten with sufficient food, fresh water, and a safe, comfortable shelter.
• Veterinary Care: Ensure that any sick or injured kittens receive prompt veterinary attention. Neglecting their health needs is considered cruelty under the law.
• Humane Treatment: Kittens must be handled in a way that avoids unnecessary pain or distress. You must not subject them to cruelty, mistreatment, or harsh handling at any time.
• Exercise & Enrichment: Ensure the kittens have appropriate exercise and mental stimulation to promote their physical and psychological well-being.
• Transport: If transporting animals, ensure that they are transported in a safe, well-ventilated, and comfortable manner to prevent injury or stress.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties, fines, or legal action. It is important to familiarise yourself with your obligations and fulfill them diligently to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animals in your care.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding your obligations, please make it known to Kitten Rescue Australia Inc.