Adopt
Adoption Process
Some adoptions happen quickly. Others take more time.
What matters most is the right fit — for the cat and for the home.
HOW IT WORKS
Thoughtful Matches Matter.
Adoption is not about moving cats out as quickly as possible.
It is about making careful, informed matches that give each cat the best chance at long-term success.
Every SOS cat comes with their own needs, personality, history, and pace. Our role is to guide the process with the cat’s well-being at the centre, while helping adopters understand what to expect along the way.
Most of our cats are located in Saskatchewan, with some placements in Manitoba and British Columbia. Adopters outside the local area are responsible for arranging and covering transportation.
OUR PROCESS
What adoption looks like with SOS Prairie Rescue
Here’s what to expect from application to homecoming.
01
Apply
Complete an adoption application so we can learn more about your home, lifestyle, and what kind of match you are hoping for.
02
Review
Our team reviews your application carefully. We are volunteer-run, so timing can vary depending on volume and availability.
03
Meet & Greet
If approved, we will connect you with the foster home or partner location to meet your potential match.
04
Move Forward
If it’s a good fit, we finalize the adoption agreement and coordinate pickup once the cat is medically ready.
05
After Adoption
You’ll receive medical records and ongoing guidance. Adjustment takes time, and we are here to support that transition.
What to know before you apply
We do not discuss adoption details for a specific cat until an application has been submitted.
Adoption fees begin at $275 for single adoption and $500 for a pair. Fees may vary on adoption location.
Kittens under 6 months are adopted in pairs unless there is an age appropriate young, social and playful cat in the home or as otherwise assessed by SOS.
We ask adopters to move forward thoughtfully. Bringing home a cat is a long-term commitment, and our role is to make placements that give both the cat and the adopter the best chance at lasting success.
If an adoption does not work out
SOS Prairie Rescue does not offer refunds on adoption fees.
All adopted cats must be returned to SOS and cannot be rehomed privately.
Returns are difficult on both cats and rescue resources, which is why we encourage careful, informed decisions.
In some circumstances, another cat may be assessed as suitable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does the adoption process take?
Adoptions can move quickly, or take some time — it depends on the cat, the application, and current volume.
As a volunteer-run rescue, we review every application as soon as we are able and carefully to ensure the right fit. Some matches happen within days, while others take longer.
We appreciate your patience as we prioritize thoughtful placements over speed.
Can I adopt a kitten by itself?
Kittens under 6 months are not adopted as single kittens unless there is already an appropriate young, social and playful cat in the home.
We have spent years educating and screening around single-kitten placements, but we continue to see young cats struggle or be returned when their social and behavioural needs are underestimated. At some point, protecting the cat has to come before hoping a recommendation will be followed.
Kittens learn appropriate play, boundaries and social skills from other cats, and having an appropriate feline companion gives them an important outlet for normal kitten behaviour.
Once a kitten is 6 months or older, placement can be considered individually based on personality, behaviour and foster feedback.
SOS may make an exception when we determine that a single placement is genuinely in the cat’s best interest or the home is likely to meet the cats individual needs.
Can I adopt a cat in another area?
Yes — many of our cats are adopted across Saskatchewan, and in some cases, to Manitoba and British Columbia.
Adopters outside the immediate area are responsible for arranging and covering transportation. We can often help guide options, but we are not able to coordinate all transport.
Can I meet a cat before applying?
We require an approved application before arranging meet-and-greets with foster homes.
This allows us to ensure a good match and respect the time and space of our foster homes and partners.
Once approved, we will connect you with the appropriate location to meet your potential match.
Are cats vetted before adoption?
Yes — every SOS cat receives full veterinary care before adoption. This includes exam by a veterinarian, vaccination protocols, treating for parasites, testing for common viruses, permanent identification and always the sterilization surgery.
What if the adoption does not work out?
We understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned.
SOS Prairie Rescue does not offer refunds on adoption fees. All adopted cats must be returned to SOS and cannot be rehomed privately without our first-refusal.
Returns are difficult for both cats and rescue resources, which is why we encourage careful, informed decisions before adopting.
How much are adoption fees?
Adoption fees typically begin at $225 and may vary depending on the cat, age, and location.
Fees cover only a portion of the veterinary care each cat receives prior to adoption.
Each cat’s fee is located on their profile.
Why haven't I heard back about my application?
We receive a high volume of applications and inquiries while operating fully on volunteer time.
Our goal is to respond within a few days, but timing may vary depending on volume and capacity.
If your application is a strong match for a specific cat, our team will reach out.
If you haven’t heard anything, please email us at adoptions@sosprairierescue.com to ensure it was received.
The right match starts here.
READY TO APPLY?
If you’re ready to welcome a cat into your home, complete an application and we’ll guide you through the next steps.