Tommy Tu-Tone hanging out at the Adoption Center, watching out his window for a potential owner. He was adopted Spring '09

Since 1995, we have based our adoption program at the Petsmart on Route 35 in Holmdel, NJ. Eight to twelve of our most adoptable cats stay at the store full-time in the Adoption Center. You can stop by to observe them any time through the glass windows, but if you would like to get inside the Adoption Center to handle a cat, you must come when a volunteer is present. We have volunteers at the Center twice a day, but the hours vary slightly each day to accomodate our volunteers, who all have other jobs. So if you spot a cat you like at the Adoption Center and would like to meet the cat 'in person', send us an email PANinc@att.net or fax us an application, and we will set up an appointment to make sure you get a chance to cuddle that cat ASAP! We do not encourage phone calls, it is too difficult for our busy volunteers to keep up with the calls. Also please note that we have a staff of volunteers at the Center every Saturday from approximately 12:30 to 5:30 PM.

If you see a cat or kitten you would like to adopt, the next step is filling out an application if you haven't already done so. We also ask you to do this if you see an animal on our web site that you may be interested in. (It might seem strange to fill out an application before you have met the animal in person, but it does help us to determine if the animal might be a good match for you, and we appreciate your cooperation.)

When we receive your application, we begin processing it immediately. The adoption process with Pet Adoption Newtwork is usually quick unless there is a problem with your application. Most adoptions can be completed either the same day, or within a day or two. In order to approve an application we require either a current vet reference or a home visit. A vet reference means we call your veterinarian's office to verify that your current or past pets are/were spayed, neutered and cared for. In the absence of a vet reference, we would request that we be allowed a brief visit to your home, by appointment, to verify that it is a suitable home for one of our cats or dogs. Our home visits are brief and casual. Although this happens in only about 5 - 10% of cases, we do reserve the right to decline any application.Declined applicants are notified via email.

If your application is approved, you will be asked to sign a standard adoption contract similar to what you would find at any shelter or rescue, in which you guarantee that you will have the pet spayed or neutered if it is not already done, that you will cooperate with periodic contact from PAN, and return the pet to us if the adoption does not work out.

The Cost and What is Included

All animals 5 months of age and over are spayed or neutered, and vaccinated, prior to adoption. Cats and kittens are tested for FELV & FIV, kittens have their vaccinations up to date. Dogs are tested for heartworm and other parasites. All animals are de-wormed and also checked and, if necessary, treated for fleas and earmites. You are eligible for low cost spay/neuter when you adopt a kitten or puppy. There are other extras that may be included with any given animal. Our volunteers offer ongoing support and counseling with each adopted animal. All you have to do is pick up the phone or dash off an email and we are there for you. We will help you work through any problems you might have with your new pet's adjustment, behavior, etc. as well as offering advice with any aspect of pet care. We also have an open-ended re-homing policy. If at any time, for any reason, you can no longer care for the pet you adopted from PAN, you are encouraged to contact us for help.

Our adoption fees help us cover our veterinary and other expenses,so we can help more animals. Our current fee for adult cats is $100 and kittens $60- although there is always a discount for adopting two cats or kittens at a time. Donation for dogs and puppies varies, but range from $100 to $250. Some special needs animals may have reduced or waived adoption fees.