Adopt
Our Adoption Process
We want every adoption to be a great match. Here's what to expect from screening to homecoming.
Before you apply
The questions we ask help us decide whether your family will be a good match for the cat or kitten you're considering. Candy's Cats (CCI) allows cats to go home on the day of the adoption, but only after we've verified the information you provide. Submitting a screening form does not guarantee an adoption — we work to match each cat with the best possible home, and CCI may decline an adoption without stating a reason.
Please consider any restrictions that may apply to you, including county regulations, lease, rental, or condo rules, and pet fees. If you live in your family's home, even if you are 18 or older, we'll need written parental permission and will confirm it by phone. Applicants under 18 cannot adopt.
Unless their bio says otherwise, our kittens must be adopted into a home with another companion kitten or a cat-friendly dog. Bonded pairs are listed together and will not be separated.
Some of our cats are part of our pre-spay/neuter adoption program. These cats will have at least their first FVRCP vaccine, a microchip registered to CCI, and treatment for internal and external parasites. An adoption counselor will walk you through the details once you've been preliminarily approved.
1. Submit a screening form
You must be at least 18 years old, and a photo ID is required. Every question must be answered to the best of your ability — incomplete forms may not be considered and may cancel the adoption process without further notification.
If you rent: provide the management company or landlord's name, phone number, and the apartment or community website. We'll contact your landlord to confirm you're permitted to adopt and that any current pets are on the lease. Once approved, the new cat must be added to your lease before going home with you.
If you own: if your ownership doesn't show up in county records, please email proof of ownership to adoptions@candyscats.org.
Current pets: all cats and dogs over 4 months old must be up to date on rabies and all vet-recommended vaccines, and must be spayed or neutered (or have a scheduled appointment with written proof). We'll call your vet to confirm. If a vet number isn't provided — even for pets you no longer have — we won't continue. Emailing current vet records to adoptions@candyscats.org speeds things up.
2. Interview
We may contact you by phone or email to go over your information.
3. Home check
We may schedule a home visit. Refusing a home visit at any point in the process will cancel the adoption.
4. Preliminary approval
Once approved on paper, we'll set up a meet & greet by appointment. Written approval doesn't guarantee an adoption or reserve a specific cat — that happens at the meet & greet.
5. Meet the cat
Our trained volunteers will watch how everyone interacts and decide whether to finalize the adoption. Children under 12 must attend and take part in the meet & greet. If you're married or have a significant other, please bring them too.
6. Sign the adoption contract
Our contract is digital and can be completed before or after meeting the cat. Photo ID is required for all adoptions.
7. Pay the adoption fee
Adoption fees typically range from $100–$150 per cat and may change at our discretion.
You must bring a pet carrier in order to take your cat home — no cat leaves without one. Carriers are available at our partner store locations.