Adoption fee

An adoption fee is the amount charged by a shelter or rescue group when you take a cat home. It is not a purchase price. The money goes toward the care the cat has already had and the work of the organisation, such as food, housing, staff and the cost of other animals that arrive with medical needs. Fees vary widely between organisations and regions, and a kitten may cost more than an adult cat.

Most fees include a bundle of services. These often cover a spay or neuter operation, an initial vaccination, a microchip and a health check, and sometimes parasite treatment and a test for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia. If you buy those services separately at a clinic they usually cost more, so the fee can be good value. Ask for a written list of what is included, and for the cat's medical records.

Some groups lower or waive fees for seniors, bonded pairs, long-stay cats or during special events, since the aim is to find homes. Be careful if someone asks you for payment by gift card or wire, or offers a cat for a large payment to an individual. A reputable shelter or rescue gives a receipt and a contract. Remember to budget for ongoing costs such as food, litter and vet visits.