Approximately 2.5 million cats are euthanized at shelters across the country every year. The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation has partnered with P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center in Rockport to do something about this on a local level.  P.A.W.S. is launching a fee waived adoption program for all of its cats and kittens. 

“We are doing this because every cat matters and deserves a home,” said Laura Stupca, Director of Operations at P.A.W.S, in a news release.

Getting a “free” cat or kittens from a friend or family member is more common than a shelter adoption.  This all adds up to more cats in our communities having more unwanted litters of kittens adding to overpopulation problem. A cat can have three litters a year with an average of 4-6 kittens in a litter.  In seven years one female cat and her offspring could have 420,000 kittens.

“We are very fortunate that we do not have to euthanize for time or space”, said P.A.W.S. Executive Director, Amie Hutchison.  “However, there are always more cats than there are homes.” 

One consequence of this is cats staying at the shelter for a long time and another is colonies of feral cats in local communities.  P.A.W.S. believes that every cat deserves a home where it is has adequate food and shelter and is cared for.

P.A.W.S. has always worked to keep adoption fees low, much lower than the amount the shelter actually spends on caring for each cat before it is adopted, the release said.  

Every cat at PAWS is tested, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and receives routine medical care. 

The adoption fees of between $50 and $125 only cover a portion of this cost.  Although reasonable, it is still a fee and research shows that the majority of people do not pay for their cats. 

PAWS is hopeful that by waiving the adoption fee for all cats and kittens people will go to the shelter for their next pet – all of which will be spayed or neutered.  “

We are more than a shelter, we want to be meaningful part of the solution to pet overpopulation and euthanasia”, said Hutchison. “We are grateful to Elmina B. Sewall Foundation for their support.”

How do I adopt?

The adoption process remains the same.  Visit P.A.W.S. and let our knowledgeable staff help you find a great match.  You’ll be asked to fill out a simple application.  We’ll ask who your vet is (or help you find one if you don’t have a one yet), and if you rent please check with your landlord.

How many cats can I adopt?

There is a two free adoption limit per family per year.

Is the process the same for cats and kittens?

If you are adopting a kitten that has not yet been spayed or neutered (due to age) there will be a $60 fully refundable deposit.  We will make a spay/neuter appointment for you (P.A.W.S. will pay for the surgery).  When the surgery is complete the deposit will be returned.  This is to assure that all cats adopted through P.A.W.S. are spayed and neutered.

My current cat isn’t spayed or neutered, can P.A.W.S. help?

We do not have the resources to spay or neuter owned pets at this time, but we can direct you to programs that can help.  Give us a call, 236-8702 for more information.

My cat is pregnant/just had a litter of kittens, what should I do?

Call P.A.W.S. at 236-8702 right away.  Residents of our service area will be asked to make an appointment to bring the kittens to P.A.W.S. They will receive veterinary care, be spayed and neutered and put up for adoption.  Instead of giving kittens away send your friends and neighbors to P.A.W.S. to adopt.  Together, we can all be part of the solution to the overpopulation problem.

How can I help?

Encourage your friends and neighbors to spay and neuter their own pets and adopt from P.A.W.S.  Imagine the difference we can make if we all work together!

Consider a donation.  P.A.W.S. will no longer be receiving adoption fees, however our costs to care for these cats will remain the same.  In order to sustain this program consider paying it forward with a donation to help cover the care of the next cat in the program.

Our need for canned cat food, non-scoopable litter, paper towels and FOSTER HOMES is constant.  Stop by the center or contact us at info@pawsadoption.org for a volunteer application and more information about our foster program.