At RCHS we are always learning new ideas and looking for ways to better serve our animals and community. For decades shelters refused to adopt pets that were to be given as gifts. However, based on studies of people’s commitment to their pets, we now accept that there may be merit to the idea of giving pets as gifts. We still think it prudent to have everyone who will be living with a dog meet him or her first and will not do gift adoptions of dogs. But this holiday season we will try adopting cats/kittens to give as gifts.

It is important to think through the idea of giving someone a cat as a gift. No other gift will require the attention and commitment that a pet will. Ask yourself the following:

• Does he/she really want a pet?
• Can they make a lifetime commitment to pay for the care a pet requires?
• What is their lifestyle and will a pet fit into that lifestyle? What type of pet?
• Does there landlord allow pets?

If you answer these questions honestly and still believe it’s a great gift idea, we have many cats to choose from and invite you to visit them.  Please click here to learn more or contact the shelter at 483.6700 if you have any questions.