Cat & Kitten
Adoption Application

Step by step process

Getting to Know You

Fill out the adoption application. Our adoption manager will reach out to you! If your application moves forward, we’ll contact your personal references. We may ask you for additional photos or videos of your home.

Interview

Our adoption manager will schedule a phone interview to get to know you better and discuss the adoption.

Meet & Greet

You and all members of your household will have the chance to meet the dog or cat at their foster home. If you're too far away, we can arrange a virtual meet and greet. This is a great time to ask the foster any questions.

Adoption Contract

If all goes well, we’ll send you the adoption contract to review and sign. This is also when the adoption fee (and transport cost, if applicable) is due.

Start Application ↓

Cat Adoption FAQ

  • How do I apply to adopt a cat or kitten?

    Just start by filling out our Adoption Application Form. Once we receive it, our adoption manager will get in touch to talk about next steps and answer any questions you might have.

    If you don’t hear back within 24–36 hours, feel free to follow up via WhatsApp at +506 8325 2514 or email tania@charlies-angels-rescue.org. Sometimes messages get missed, and we don’t want to keep you waiting!

  • How much is the adoption fee?

    The adoption fee is $30 USD or 15,000 CRC per cat or kitten.

    This helps cover part of the vet care each animal receives—like spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and testing for FIV (feline AIDS) and FeLV (feline leukemia) when the cat is old enough.

    As with our dogs, we almost never break even—so when adopters are willing to give a little extra, it makes a big difference in helping us continue this work.

  • Why do I have to pay an adoption fee at all?

    All cats are spayed or neutered (if over 4 months old), vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas and ticks, and tested for FIV and FeLV (if old enough for accurate testing).

    If they’ve needed any extra vet care, we take care of it before they’re adopted out.

  • Will I need to pay for vet care after the adoption?

    Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, you’ll be responsible for any future vet care.We’ll let you know if the cat needs any follow-up vaccines or treatments. Many kittens, for example, will still need their booster shots to complete their vaccine schedule.

  • Can I meet the animal before adopting?

    Definitely—once we’ve received your adoption application. If you’re nearby, we’ll arrange a meet-and-greet with the foster family. If you're farther away, we’re happy to schedule a video call so you can virtually meet the cat.

    Please note that we can’t transport animals long distances just for a meet and greet.

  • Why do I have to fill out an adoption form before meeting the cat?

    Because arranging a meet-and-greet takes coordination, and all of our foster families and volunteers are doing this in their free time.The adoption form isn’t binding—it just helps us get to know you, your home, and your lifestyle so we can make sure it's a great match for both you and the cat.

  • How long does the adoption process take?

    It varies, but usually just a few days to a couple of weeks. It depends on how quickly we can check your references, do a virtual or in-person home check, and organize the meet-and-greet.

  • Do you adopt outside of Costa Rica?

    Yes—we’ve successfully placed several of our cats in loving homes abroad, especially in the US and Canada.We’ll help organize all travel logistics and work with flight volunteers to ensure a smooth process.For costs and travel details, please reach out to tania@charlies-angels-rescue.org.Please note: we do not adopt to Europe. The process takes too long, is very expensive, and not in the best interest of the animal or the foster family.

  • What happens if the adoption doesn’t work out?

    We’ll always take the animal back—no shame, no judgment.We do ask adopters to give the animal time to adjust. Cats, especially, need patience and space to feel safe in a new environment. We follow the “3-3-3 rule”: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to start settling in, and 3 months to truly feel at home.If you do need to return the cat, we’ll work with you to arrange a solution. This may involve keeping the cat temporarily while we find a new foster placement. If there's any immediate concern for safety or health (allergies, aggression, etc.), we’ll step in right away.Please note: adoption fees are non-refundable unless the issue stems from an error or oversight on our part.

  • Can I adopt more than one cat?

    Yes—and in fact, we love it when kittens are adopted together. Unlike puppies, kittens from the same litter generally thrive in pairs, especially if they’ve grown up together.

    We’ll let you know if a particular pair is bonded or especially well-matched, and we’ll do our best to find the right fit for your home.

  • I’m not sure which cat is right for me—can you help?

    Absolutely. Just fill out the adoption form and let us know you’re not sure which cat you’re interested in.Share a little about your lifestyle, family, and pet experience, and we’ll help guide you to a cat (or kitten!) that’s a good fit.

  • What is the Foster-to-Adopt Program?

    Our Foster-to-Adopt program gives you a chance to foster a cat for up to 3 weeks before making a final decision. It’s a great way to see if your home and lifestyle are the right match.

    During this time, the cat won’t be available to other adopters. We’ll cover all vet costs, and you provide the care, love, and patience.

    If it’s a good fit, we’ll finalize the adoption and complete the contract. If not, we’ll work with you to make a plan that’s best for everyone—including the cat.This program is only available for adoptions within Costa Rica.

  • Can I visit your rescue center to meet the cats up for adoption?

    We don’t have a rescue center anymore. In 2021, we closed our shelter and transitioned to working solely with foster homes. This has allowed us to offer more individualized care and has been incredibly successful.

    While there’s no central location to visit, once your application is received, we’re happy to arrange a meeting with the foster family—either in person or via video call.

  • Where are you located?

    Charlie’s Angels Costa Rica is based in the southern zone of Costa Rica. Most of our foster homes are in and around San Isidro del General in Pérez Zeledón.

    We also occasionally have cats in foster homes in other parts of the country. Every adoption post clearly lists where the animal is being fostered so you’ll know their location ahead of time.

  • How does the animal get to me once the adoption fee is paid?

    You can pick up your new cat in person, or we can help arrange transport. We work with a trusted professional driver who uses an air-conditioned van and secure crates for a safe, stress-free ride.

    Transport costs must be covered by the adopter. When possible, we try to coordinate shared trips with other adopted animals heading the same way to split the cost.

  • I'm on vacation in Costa Rica. Can I take a cat home?

    Yes, it's possible! If you're living in Canada or the US and your flight allows pets, and if we have enough time to prepare the animal, arrange the logistics, and get all the necessary paperwork ready (we require a minimum of one week's notice), we can help you with the adoption.

    To start, please fill out our [adoption application here] and we’ll assist you with the next steps.

  • I live in the USA or Canada and want the cat or kitten to be shipped to me. How can I proceed?

    If you're based in the US or Canada and would like to adopt a cat or kitten from us, please contact us directly to discuss the international adoption process. We’ll provide you with all the details, including:

    *Additional costs
    *Timeline
    *Necessary documentation
    *Travel arrangements

    Contact Tania at: tania@charlies-angels-rescue.org

Application From

Helping You Find Your
New Best Friend

Thank you for considering adoption! This application is designed to help us understand your needs and lifestyle, so we can match you with a cat who will thrive in your care.

Personal info

Transportation to Canada/USA

↳ Please Provide Flight Information

Preferences & Compatibility

*If you don’t yet know please select "I'm not sure yet" and describe the cat your looking for.

Household Information

Lifestyle & Experience

Photo Submission

To help us better understand your living situation, please upload at least four photos:

1. A photo of yourself/family/partner
2. A photo of your home (inside and outside if possible)
3. A photo of your garden, patio, or yard (if applicable)
4. A photo of your other pets (if any)

Please ensure the photos are clear and recent.

Training & Care

Adoption Commitment

References

To complete the adopter screening process, we kindly ask for three references from people who can vouch for your experience with pets and responsible ownership. Please provide their names and email addresses below (at least two should be non-family members).

Agreement & Acknowledgment

I understand that a $35 adoption fee (per cat/kitten) must be paid if the adoption is approved. *

I acknowledge that this adoption fee does not cover the full costs of rescuing and caring for the animal. *

I understand that transportation of the cat/kitten post-adoption is not included in the adoption fee. *

I understand that adopting a cat is a long-term commitment (15+ years)? *

Submit

Success! We’ll be in touch soon.

Processing Time

We are a volunteer-run organization and due to the heavy workload, applications may take 2-3 days to respond. To expedite the process, applicants can also contact us via WhatsApp or email to check on the status of their application.

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