Adoption Policy

A comprehensive framework for responsible, ethical kitten placement

At Zoe's Kittens

our Adoption Policy is built on industry best practices and a deep commitment to ethical breeding. Every clause exists to protect our kittens, support our adopters, and uphold the highest standards of feline welfare. This policy applies to all six breeds we raise.

Eligibility & Application Screening

Minimum Age: All adopters must be at least 18 years of age and provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Application Form: Every prospective adopter must complete our detailed adoption questionnaire covering household composition, living situation (rent/own), prior pet experience, and lifestyle.
Reference Check: We may contact your veterinarian (if applicable) and personal references to verify your history of responsible pet ownership.
Home Environment Assessment: For local adopters, we may request a virtual or in-person home visit to ensure a safe, enriching environment. For international adopters, we require detailed photos and descriptions.
Landlord Verification: Renters must provide written confirmation from their landlord or property manager that cats are permitted.
Right of Refusal: Zoe's Kittens reserves the sole right to decline any application without explanation if we believe the home is unsuitable for the kitten's needs.

Strict No-Gift & No-Surprise Policy

Primary Caregiver Requirement: The person who will live with and provide daily care for the kitten must be the one who initiates and completes the adoption process.
No Impulse Purchases: Adoptions must be planned, researched, and deliberate. We do not facilitate same-day or rushed adoptions.
Written Commitment Letter: Every adopter must submit a personal letter describing their expectations, lifestyle, and readiness for a 10–20 year commitment. This helps us ensure genuine, informed decisions.

Strict No-Gift & No-Surprise Policy

Health Guarantee & Veterinary Standards
Health Certificate: A complete health record and veterinary certificate are provided with every kitten at the time of delivery.
Genetic Health Guarantee: We guarantee against hereditary and congenital defects for a period of one (1) year from the date of adoption. If a covered condition is diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian, we will offer one of the following remedies at our discretion: (a) replacement kitten of equal value, (b) partial refund, or (c) contribution toward veterinary costs.
Post-Adoption Vet Visit: We require adopters to schedule a veterinary wellness exam within 7 days of receiving their kitten. This visit must be documented and shared with us.
FIV/FeLV Testing: All breeding cats are tested negative for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Kittens are not tested due to maternal antibody interference but are guaranteed to be from FIV/FeLV-negative parents.
Exclusions: The health guarantee does not cover conditions caused by neglect, improper care, accidents, infectious diseases contracted after adoption, or failure to follow our care recommendations.

Spay/Neuter Agreement & Breeding Rights

Mandatory Sterilization: All pet-quality kittens must be spayed or neutered by 8–10 months of age (or as recommended by your veterinarian). Proof of surgery must be provided to Zoe's Kittens within 30 days of the procedure.
Breeding Rights: Breeding rights are granted only under a separate, written Breeder's Agreement with explicit approval from Zoe's Kittens. Unauthorized breeding constitutes a material breach of contract.
Show Quality: Show-quality kittens may be sold with breeding rights at our discretion, subject to additional contractual terms and a higher purchase price.
Consequences of Breach: If an adopter is found to have bred a pet-quality kitten without authorization, Zoe's Kittens reserves the right to reclaim the cat, void all guarantees, and pursue legal remedies.

Indoor-Only Requirement

Mandatory Indoor Housing: All Zoe's Kittens cats must be kept exclusively indoors. Free-roaming outdoor access is strictly prohibited.
Supervised Outdoor Enclosures: Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces (catios, screened porches, or harness-trained supervised outings) are permitted provided they are escape-proof and predator-safe.
Rationale: Indoor cats live significantly longer, healthier lives. They are protected from traffic, predators, infectious diseases, parasites, poisoning, theft, and cruelty.
Non-Negotiable: This requirement is absolute. Violation may result in revocation of health guarantees and potential reclamation of the cat.

Anti-Declawing Policy

Absolute Prohibition: Declawing (onychectomy), tendonectomy, or any surgical alteration of a cat's claws is strictly forbidden under all circumstances.
Humane Alternatives: We provide guidance on scratching post training, nail trimming, Soft Paws nail caps, and environmental enrichment to manage scratching behavior humanely.
Consequences: Any adopter found to have declawed a Zoe's Kittens cat will be in material breach of contract, resulting in immediate revocation of all guarantees and potential reclamation of the cat.

Return & Rehoming Policy

Right of First Refusal: If at any point you are unable to care for your cat, you must contact Zoe's Kittens first before rehoming, surrendering to a shelter, or giving the cat to another person.
Unconditional Return: We will always accept our cats back, no questions asked, at any point in their lifetime. There is no time limit and no penalty for returning a cat to us.
No Shelter Surrender: Surrendering a Zoe's Kittens cat to an animal shelter, humane society, or rescue organization without our prior written consent is a material breach of contract.
Rehoming Assistance: If you need to find a new home but wish to retain some involvement, we will assist in screening potential new adopters to ensure a suitable match.
Refund Policy: No refunds are provided for returned cats. However, in exceptional circumstances, store credit toward a future adoption may be considered at our sole discretion.

Deposits, Payments & Financial Terms

Reservation Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit of the total purchase price is required to reserve a specific kitten. This deposit secures the kitten and removes them from availability.
Waitlist Deposit: The AED 1500 waitlist deposit is non-refundable but fully credited toward the final purchase price of your chosen kitten.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due in full before delivery or at pickup. Kittens will not be released until payment is confirmed.
Payment Methods: We accept bank transfer, Western Union, and other secure payment methods. Cash is accepted for in-person pickups only.
Price Transparency: All prices are clearly communicated before any deposit is accepted. There are no hidden fees. Delivery costs (air cargo or ground transport) are quoted separately and agreed upon in advance.

Delivery, Transport & Travel Requirements

Minimum Age for Travel: Kittens must be at least 12–14 weeks old and fully weaned, vaccinated, and socialized before leaving our cattery.
Air Cargo Delivery: For long-distance adoptions, we use official pet cargo services through reputable airlines. All travel crates meet IATA standards. Travel costs are the adopter's responsibility.
Ground Transport: For regional deliveries, we may offer personal ground transport or courier services depending on distance and availability.
In-Person Pickup: Local adopters are welcome and encouraged to pick up their kitten in person. This allows for a smooth transition and an opportunity to ask final questions.
Travel Documentation: We prepare all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and customs documentation for international shipments. Import requirements of the destination country are the adopter's responsibility to verify.

Lifetime Breeder Support

Always Available: Adoption from Zoe's Kittens includes lifetime breeder support. We are available to answer questions about health, behavior, diet, grooming, training, and general care for the entire life of your cat.
Emergency Guidance: In case of health emergencies or urgent concerns, we prioritize communication and will assist in connecting you with appropriate veterinary resources.
Community: Adopters are invited to join our private community of Zoe's Kittens families for shared experiences, advice, and updates.
No Judgment: We understand that challenges arise. Our support is judgment-free and focused entirely on the wellbeing of your cat and your success as a caregiver.

Contract Enforcement & Legal Provisions

Binding Agreement: The adoption contract is a legally binding document. By signing, the adopter agrees to all terms and conditions outlined in this policy.
Breach of Contract: Failure to comply with any provision of this policy may result in revocation of health guarantees, demand for return of the cat, and pursuit of legal remedies including reimbursement of legal fees.
Governing Law: All disputes shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which Zoe's Kittens operates.
We operate in good faith and expect the same from our adopters. Open, honest communication is the foundation of every successful adoption.

Our Core Commitment

Agree with Our Values?

If our Adoption Policy resonates with you, we’d love to help you find your perfect kitten.

Email: primebritishshorthair@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +971 55 976 7631