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ADOPTION PROCEDURE

Below you will find all the information you need regarding the procedure for animal adoption at RSPCA Wirral and Chester.
 
Please that all animal visits are by appointment only and we are not normally able to rehome cats to families with children under 4 years old.
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Animal availability

All the animals that are available for rehoming can be found on our RSPCA Find a Pet page, simply follow the link below.

Enquiry form

If you see a cat that you are interested in having read all of the information on their profile, then please complete our online enquiry form linked below.

What happens next

Cats
The team will review all the applications received, and we will contact the person that appears to be the best match for that animal.

We will also view the suitability to the cat using Google Maps to ensure the area is suitable for the cat in question. ​
​All cats are assessed for their rehoming criteria when they come to us. Once we have assessed a cat, we will then categorise the type of home he/she needs.
 
  • A - having been assessed as needing regular access to outdoors - they need to be safe and away from busy roads/railways etc so they can explore safely.
     
  • B - having been assessed as quieter and likely to spend more time indoors but does still need access to outdoors.
     
  • C - strict housecat and not to go outdoors.

​The team will review your application and carry out a search on Google maps to ensure the surrounding area is suitable for cat(s) in question. On agreement that the address is suitable, we will then contact you and arrange for you to send across photo's/video's of your home/garden etc for your virtual home visit, via either email or Whatsapp.​
​
If you live in rented accommodation, we will need to see permission from your landlord that you are able to keep cats at the property.

Once everything is in place, an appointment will be made for you and your family to visit the Animal Centre to meet the cat or for a visit.​

We will temporarily reserve the animal for you to give you chance to come and meet them but we cannot hold them for longer than 2 or 3 days maximum as we could be potentially losing good homes if you decide not to go ahead.

Please be prepared when you come for your visit, and bring your carrier with you. Everything will be in place when you come for your visit, so after spending some time with your chosen cat, if you decide to go ahead, you will be able to take them home with you on the day. This is to save unnecessary travel for both you and the cat.
Dogs
The team will review all the applications received, and we will contact the person that appears to be the best match for that animal.

We will also view the suitability to the cat using Google Maps to ensure the area is suitable for the cat in question. ​
​All cats are assessed for their rehoming criteria when they come to us. Once we have assessed a cat, we will then categorise the type of home he/she needs.
 
  • A - having been assessed as needing regular access to outdoors - they need to be safe and away from busy roads/railways etc so they can explore safely.
     
  • B - having been assessed as quieter and likely to spend more time indoors but does still need access to outdoors.
     
  • C - strict housecat and not to go outdoors.

​The team will review your application and carry out a search on Google maps to ensure the surrounding area is suitable for cat(s) in question. On agreement that the address is suitable, we will then contact you and arrange for you to send across photo's/video's of your home/garden etc for your virtual home visit, via either email or Whatsapp.​
​
If you live in rented accommodation, we will need to see permission from your landlord that you are able to keep cats at the property.

Once everything is in place, an appointment will be made for you and your family to visit the Animal Centre to meet the cat or for a visit.​

We will temporarily reserve the animal for you to give you chance to come and meet them but we cannot hold them for longer than 2 or 3 days maximum as we could be potentially losing good homes if you decide not to go ahead.

Please be prepared when you come for your visit, and bring your carrier with you. Everything will be in place when you come for your visit, so after spending some time with your chosen cat, if you decide to go ahead, you will be able to take them home with you on the day. This is to save unnecessary travel for both you and the cat.

Going home

  • Staff will discuss your cat and any additional needs with you where appropriate.
     

  • You will be provided with all the vet history since the animal has been in our care.
     

  • Given the last flea and worm dates and next due dates.
     

  • Vaccination card to take home if they have had both vaccines. If they have only had one, you will be required to bring them back in between 3 and 4 weeks after their initial vaccine. You will then be given the Vaccination card to continue with your own vet for their annual booster next year. 
     

  • You animal will be neutered unless we have specified otherwise, where you will be provided with a neuter voucher that must be used at either Wirral Vets in Upton, or Riverside Vets in Bromborough. 
     

  • You will also be advised of their current diet/times. 
     

  • Payment will be taken on completion of all the adoption paperwork and can be by cash or card payments.
     

  • All cats must be transported home in a suitable, secure cat carrier with a blanket or towel inside. We do sell carriers at the Animal Centre.
     

  • All animals rehomed are covered by 28 days free insurance, but you must register within 48 hours of taking your new animal home. Please read the information in you rehoming booklet or leaflet.

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