By: Rose Fennessy
Rescue, obtain care, and find a forever home. These are the goals of adoption networks all over the country that strive to find forever homes for as many animals as possible to keep them off the streets and out of kill shelters.
The Pet Adoption Network in Rochester is a non-profit and no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing homeless cats and kittens.
“They were an offshoot of a previous rescue group about 20 years ago, so this group started in 2003,” said Jay Bachmann of Pet Adoption Network.
While Pet Adoption Network does have a building in Irondequoit, it is almost exclusively used as a showroom for adoption events. Almost all of their cats live in foster homes until they are adopted.
“We are always looking for more fosters. We do have to say no to a decent amount of people who call or contact us looking to rehome a cat, or who found a cat or those types of things,” says Bachmann.
For those interested in fostering, an application is available on the organization’s website. Pet Adoption Network has three volunteer foster coordinators who oversee the whole adoption process.
“They’re the ones who will let them know all of the information needed,” said Bachmann. “They can troubleshoot any medical issues, behavior issues, and that type of thing. So the people generally reach out and then they will fill out the application and go from there,”
The adoption application is also available online or in person at one of their adoption events. It asks for information about addresses, if landlords allow pets and the rules they have, pets currently owned, and vet information.
The Pet Adoption Network is hosting a fundraiser with Chipotle on May 8, hoping to raise money to care for the cats brought into their foster homes.
“We are trying to get our name out there for anybody who might be looking for a cat or who are just interested in helping animals in general. Generally, those don’t make a ton of money, but a lot of it is for us to get out to the community and make sure that people know about us,” Bachmann said.
Informing the community is one of Pet Adoption Network’s main goals. Sterilization, vaccination, and proper pet care are the organization’s main focus. They also strive to educate about proper pet care, so that the pets don’t end up back on the street or in shelters.
Not only are they hoping to educate the community, but they hope to get help from them. Donations are an essential part of the network. They take litter and canned food, as they are always needed in foster homes. 100% of donations go directly towards caring for the animals.
“Financial donations are huge because of the increase in pet costs,” Bachmann said.
On average, Pet Adoption Network takes in 120 to 140 cats in a single year. Every cat that comes in receives medical care to ensure that it’s fit for adoption.
“We make sure that they’re up to date on all major vaccines like rabies, a combo test; which is a combo test for FIV and leukemia. So basically we give them the appropriate shots and then spay and neuter before anybody gets adopted out,” said Bachmann.
After the cats and kittens are given proper care and treated for illnesses they are sent to a foster home, just waiting for someone to adopt them.
The Pet Adoption Network is dedicated to finding forever homes for homeless cats.
