Adoption Information

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Adoption is possible for residents of Aruba, Holland and the United States.  

Our adoption fees cover all the necessary veterinary care up until the point the cat is ready to travel and includes the traveling costs (flight fee, pre-travel check up (includes microchip and rabies shot) and health certificate).  

For adoptions in the United States and Holland, we require half of the adoption fee in advance to offset the cost of the flight fee.  The remaining portion of the fee would be paid once the cat is finally with you.

Cat: $250 (USD)

For Adoptions in Aruba

Cat: Afl 75

The adoption fees help to cover the healthcare of the cats in our care.  The following is some of the items that we cover while they are under our care:

• Kittens: deworming, flea/tick treatment and prevention and first round of vaccinations and microchip.
• Adult cats: deworming, flea/tick treatment and prevention, FeLV and FIV test, rabies vaccine, first round of vaccination(s), spay/neuter (if old enough) and microchip.

Our cats will be spayed/neutered when they are first able (depending on their overall condition) while under our care.  We will make every effort that a cat is spayed/neutered before it is adopted.

We want to make sure each of our rescues go to a loving home and finds a family that fits their specific temperament well. Because of this, please fill out our application form below (or on the Our Adoptables page). It asks a number of important questions for our screening process.

If you do not own your home, we ask that you show proof that pets are allowed (copy of rental agreement or letter from your landlord). We will also contact your veterinarian for a reference.  If you are in Aruba you MUST ensure that the cat remains an inside cat. 

Once completed, please email your application to ninelivesaruba@gmail.com

After receiving your application we will begin processing it as quickly as possible.

Please note, in case we receive multiple applications for the same animal we will first choose the best match and then which application was received first.  We do our best to respond to each application and email in a timely manner.  However, please know that we are a 100% volunteer organization. Please be sure to monitor your email account and phone closely to ensure we are able to contact you.  Finding the perfect match for our rescues is our priority.

Your application was approved.  What Happens Next?

• We will set up a phone call to make the process a little more personal. After that we request the vet reference check, the adoption agreement and the first payment of the adoption fee to finalize the adoption (usually half of the amount up front).
• We next begin to look for a transporter for your new family member.  We rely on visitors to Aruba to volunteer to get your new cat home to you.  How quickly this happens varies on the destination, animal and time of the year. It also depends on where and how far the adoptive family is willing to drive.
• As soon as we find a transporter we will send you the flight and necessary personal information of the person transporting your pet. We will also request the rest of the adoption fee.
• Your pet will travel in the cabin (maximum weight is 20 lbs). Traveling can be stressful for our rescues and we do everything we can to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
• The adoptive family will be ready and waiting at the airport of arrival to pick up their new family member. For advice on getting your new family member accustomed to his/her new home, you can message us on Facebook or send us an email, we will provide you with tips to help make the transition easy.

Your cat will need to adjust to the new climate where you live. Remember, they are coming from an island where the temperature ranges from 85 to 95 degrees year round. 

 
He/she has also been dewormed. However, it is important for you to bring your new cat to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination. Stools should be tested for tape worms and round worms as well as coccidia. Please follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and instructions to keep your cat healthy.

 
There are several types of diseases that can be triggered by the stress of traveling. Stress can cause a decrease in an animal’s immune system thus making it difficult for them to handle common infections or diseases. Animals may not show clinical signs of certain viral infections or tick borne disease until several days or weeks after adoption and may even be triggered with any type of stress.

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (also known as feline AIDS): this is a virus that is spread mostly by bite wounds that occur from fighting, most commonly in unneutered male cats. Rarely is it spread from mother to kittens, grooming or via food bowls. Usually cats infected with this virus have a very poor immune system and have a hard time overcoming infections. Vaccination is available, but once cats are vaccinated they will always test positive.
• Feline Leukemia is commonly seen worldwide in cats. This virus is easily spread via saliva and nasal secretions. It is also possible for kittens to be infected in utero and by nursing from an infected mother.

Clinical signs for both FIV and Feline Leukemia can range from oral infections, GI disease, ocular disease and inability to clear other infections. If you suspect your cat is showing signs of infection it is important to have an examination by a veterinarian so they can appropriately treat your pet.