FAQ

The adoption process starts with filling the online adoption form by clicking on the relevant link below:

I want to adopt a cat.

I want to adopt a dog.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, we will meet you via video call in order to stay safe and respect Covid-19 and H1N1 measures. During our meeting, we will explain the requirements and conditions to meet in order to adopt a dog or a cat. Based on the video call, if you still want to go through with the adoption, we will ask you if you have a pet in mind or you would like to meet all our residents and choose depending on your preference. We will then schedule a visit to the sanctuary so you can meet your future fur baby in person. Once you choose your new family member, you will have to pass by the shelter again, at least twice, to make sure you want to adopt this specific pet and to see if you two have a real connection. After you set your heart on your new best friend, we will schedule a home visit via video call, where we might ask you to fix, remove or change things that might be hazardous for your pet. Based on your willingness to comply with these modifications, we will schedule a second home visit to make sure everything is ready to welcome your new fur baby. After successfully completing all of the steps aforementioned, you will be asked to pass by APC to pick up your new pet and settle the adoption fee.

Note that the requirements are different between cats and dogs. To adopt a dog, you will be asked to pass by the shelter up to 4 or 5 times to make sure you two developed a bond. You will also be asked to walk them and take them home for a night to experience a day in the life of a dog parent.

The fostering process starts with filling the online form by clicking on the link below:

I want to foster a pet.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, we will meet you via video call in order to stay safe and respect Covid-19 and H1N1 measures. During our meeting, we will explain the requirements and conditions to meet in order to foster a dog or a cat. Based on the video call, if you still want to go through with the fostering process, we will ask you if you have a pet in mind or you would like to meet all our residents and choose depending on your preference. We will then schedule a visit to the sanctuary so you can meet your temporary fur baby. Once you choose a pet, you will have to pass by the shelter again, at least twice, to make sure you want to foster this specific pet and to see if you two have a real connection. After you set your heart on you’re an animal, we will schedule a home visit via video call, where we might ask you to fix, remove or change things that might be hazardous for the pet. Based on your willingness to comply with these modifications, we will schedule a second home visit to make sure everything is ready to welcome your foster baby. After successfully completing all of the steps aforementioned, you will be asked to pass by APC to pick up the pet.

Note that the requirements are different between cats and dogs. To foster a dog, you will be asked to pass by the shelter up to 4 or 5 times to make sure you two developed a bond. You will also be asked to walk them and take them home for a night to experience a day in the life of a dog parent.

All the expenses and fees will be covered by APC. You will only need to take care of the pet until we find them a forever home.

If you are unable to foster or adopt an animal, you can always sponsor one. But what exactly is sponsoring? When you choose to sponsor a pet, you are responsible of all their expenses, whether it is for their fostering fees, medical fees, food, litter, or any other fee that might come up until they get adopted.

We will provide you with all the information for the fixed expenses, and you will also receive invoices detailing the paid amounts.

Sponsoring saves life and spares us a lot of stress to secure the wellbeing of our residents. You can choose to sponsor one of our animals by clicking on the links below:

I want to sponsor an animal

This is an easy way to change an animal’s life, by securing all their needs without having to take in a new pet.

If you are a minor or financially unstable, your parents or caretakers must be present during the video call. They have to be aware of the expenses and the responsibilities that come with adopting a pet, and they must want it just as much as you do, because you are taking in a new family member who will stay under your care for a long time.

Thinking about bringing a new fur baby into your family? There are a few things to consider before making a final decision and possibly regretting it further down the road!

Having a pet is a long-term commitment and responsibility, this is why we want to ensure that you enjoy this new experience to the maximum and you know what to expect when you’re expecting a furry addition to your household!

If you are looking to adopt a dog:

• Dogs live up to 15 years. They will need care and attention their whole life.
• Every member of the household must approve of the adoption.
• Does anyone in the family have an allergy to dog hair?
• Is your lifestyle compatible with a dog? Can you give them enough time and care to make them happy?
• Make a list of the characteristics you want in a dog before choosing one based on their looks: big/small, active/lazy, indoor/outdoor, hiking buddy/couch potato, etc.
• What size dog can your home accommodate?
• Will you have enough space in your home if your dog grows to be bigger than expected?
• Consider the cost of having a pet. Some of the regular expenses are: food, routine veterinary care such as vaccines, de-worming, etc. collars, leashes, identification tags, licensing according to local regulations, crate or carrier, grooming, bed, toys, etc.
• Dog proof your home.
• A dog needs to walk at least twice a day, depending on their activity level.
• Choose a veterinarian close to you in case of emergency and based on their reputation.
• Give your dog time to adjust to the big changes in their life. Patience is an essential element of the adoption process.

Thinking about bringing a new fur baby into your family? There are a few things to consider before making a final decision and possibly regretting it further down the road!

Having a pet is a long-term commitment and responsibility, this is why we want to ensure that you enjoy this new experience to the maximum and you know what to expect when you’re expecting a furry addition to your household!

If you are looking to adopt a cat:

• Cats live up to 15 years. They will need care and attention their whole life.
• Every member of the household must approve of the adoption.
• Does anyone in the family have an allergy to cat hair?
• Is your lifestyle compatible with a cat? Can you give them enough time and care to make them happy?
• Make a list of the characteristics you want in a cat before choosing one based on their looks: short/long haired, active/lazy, indoor/outdoor, clingy/independent, etc.
• Consider the cost of having a pet. Some of the regular expenses are: food, routine veterinary care such as vaccines, de-worming, etc. litter, identification tags, licensing according to local regulations, crate or carrier, grooming, bed, toys, etc.
• Cat proof your home and put away any potentially harmful objects.
• Choose a veterinarian close to you in case of emergency and based on their reputation.
• Give your cat time to adjust to the big changes in their life. Patience is an essential element of the adoption process.

All our residents are fully vaccinated, dewormed, deflead and spayed/neutered. You will only need to take them to the veterinary clinic for routine check-ups, vaccinations and other preventative care.

However, keep in mind that many of our rescues have special needs and if you open your heart to one of these amazing pets, we will give you their full medical history and they will probably need to visit the vet more than the other pets.

Bringing in a new dog can throw the balance off in your household, and your first dog might need a reminder of their training. Please keep in mind that the technique described below only applies to dog-friendly dogs. If you are not sure if your dog is friendly to other dogs or if they might show aggression toward another dog, or if you are worried about their reaction, please contact a professional trainer or behaviorist to guide you.

Walking sessions

This step requires two people and a neutral location.

• Both dogs start out on leash, each with a person.
• The first dog walks out of the house to the neutral location.
• The second dog walks out of the house to the neutral location afterwards, keeping a distance of at least 12 meters between them.
• Walk around, keeping the same distance, until both dogs are walking without paying attention to each other. This might take time, be patient! It might also take a few sessions, don’t rush the process!
• Slowly start shortening the distance between the two dogs. If the dog pulls on the leash towards the other dog, lengthen the distance a bit until you can slowly close the gap to about 2 meters.
• Alternate who is the lead dog by crossing the street with the dog who is behind and slowly falling behind with the other dog, then crossing the street again to walk behind at the same distance.
• The next step involves walking “parallel” but with their handlers in between. The order then becomes: dog #1, dog #1 handler, dog #2, dog #2 handler.

Keep the session rules clear:

• The dogs should walk next to your side.
• Do not pull on the leash or choke up the dog.
• Use short tugs on the leash if needed to keep them at your side.
• Try to keep some slack in the leash while keeping control.
• And most importantly, relax! Have a friendly conversation with the person helping you. Dogs feel and respond to their handlers’ emotions. If you are tense, they will know, and the dog (especially your dog) will be watching your face too. Stay relaxed, talk and keep a smile on your face!

Pay attention to your dog’s communication signals, they will show you when they are relaxed and happy. After the first introduction, you can slowly increase the amount of time they spend together. If any of the dogs shows signs of intolerance (growling, lip curl) or aggression (snarl, lunge, or snap), try a slower introduction – lengthen the distance between them, and continue with walking sessions a few times a day. If the aggression continues, consult a behaviorist or trainer. Do several days or more of parallel walking, before proceeding to the home introduction.

Home introduction & together sessions

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the first step of introduction. You can now move inside. First of all, pick the largest area possible to give your dogs space to move around. Try not to pick the kitchen because it involves food and it is not usually a good area.

• Put all toys, beds and treats in a closet.
• Do a long parallel walking sessions to tire both dogs and end the walking session by going into your house.
• Walk around the room you chose with both dogs on leashes, just like on your walks, same rules as above apply!
• Do these together sessions on to the end of your walk sessions. You might start with 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase the length of the sessions.
• If after a few sessions both dogs are relaxed, you may drop your initial dog’s leash, while keeping the new dog on a leash for a few more sessions.

Together & separate time

For the first few months, we highly recommend keeping all new dogs totally and safely separated when you are not actively supervising them. When they are together inside, keep their leashes on without handling them for longer and longer periods. Keep possible triggers like food, treats and high-value toys out of the room for that entire time; they can have those when they are separated.

If you are planning on adopting a new cat, congratulations! There are multiple ways to introduce your new baby to a resident dog who is known to be good with cats.

Here is a 6-step plan to introduce a new cat to your dog.

Note that you can also use this same technique to introduce a new dog to your cat, if you know the dog has lived safely with cats before.

Step 1: Get ready

First of all, your dog should learn the commands “sit” and “stay” before being introduced to your cat.

Set your cat’s isolation room with their food, water, litter box and bed. Give them a chance to become adjusted to their new home. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks. Your cat should behave in a relaxed manner, use the litter box, stay out of hiding and should not dilate their irises at noises from the other side of the door.

You should spend time with the cat in the isolation room, but the dog absolutely has to stay outside, no peeking! If you are worried the cat might slip out when you try to get into the room, close your dog in another room away from the isolation room’s door.

Step 2: Opposite sides of the door

Feed both your pets on opposite sides of a closed door (not glass, screen or see-though) for a week. This process will create a positive association with each other’s presence (smell, sounds, etc.). In case your dog starts whining, pawing and/or barking at the door, correct them with a strict but calm “No!” and move the food bowls farther away, keep their leash on and gradually move the bowl closer to the cat’s room each feeding time.

Once you see that they are calmly eating close to the door, start introducing them more to each other’s smells by rubbing them with a towel and placing it down with the food bowl, for them to smell as they eat.

Step 3: Get your cat used to a crate

For this step, you might want to borrow or invest in a big wire dog crate, since most cats already associate a regular plastic carrier with scary things such as vet visits and being abandoned at a shelter.

Lure you cat into the crate with a treat trail. You can also start feeding them right outside the crate, then with every meal, slowly move the dish farther back. Close the crate door for 5 minutes, then let your cat out. If you feel that they are nervous I the crate, practice this technique 2-3 times a day until they are relaxed.

Step 4: Dog on leash or harness and cat in crate

This step involves them seeing each other without any physical contact. It is preferable to start practicing this step after your dog’s daily exercise, for 5 minutes only.

• After putting your dog in a separate room, put your cat in the crate and carry it into the biggest room possible, and as far away as possible from the door.
• Put your dog on a leash or harness and bring them into the room.
• Here’s where the “sit” and “stay” commands come in handy! Use them to keep your dog inside the door, at a spot where they can see the cat.
• Practice sit, down, shake and various other commands in the same location for about 5 minutes.
• If you feel that your dog is ignoring your commands because they are interested in the cat, they are barking, growling or lunging, use a firm “no” and get them out of the room. To get their attention again, practice a few commands, then try entering the room again.
• Remember to stay relaxed and breathe, and keep some slack in the leash. The worst-case scenario here is your pets lunging at each other, and you will be able to pull your dog back so everyone stays safe! It is worth mentioning that pets respond to tension they feel in you, so keep in mind that it helps to say things aloud in a pleasant and calm tone. This step should be repeated as many days as necessary, do not rush the process!
• With each 5-minute session, allow your pets to get slightly closer, with your dog still on a leash and the cat still in the crate. Then leave with lots of praise for everyone being so good! Eventually, they should be brought close enough together to allow them to investigate each other visually and calmly.  Then you can allow your dog to sniff at the kennel and the cat, as long as they are being calm, and they obeyif you say “sit” or “come.”
• Once they’ve sniffed each other through the crate with no issues, and you can spend half an hour in the room with everyone relaxed right next to each other, you are ready for Step

Step 5: Dog on leash and cat loose

While keeping your dog on leash in a down-stay far from your cat, have someone else open the door of the crate. Keep your dog focused on you with commands and treats. If the cat stays inside the crate, toss a treat to lure them outside the crate door. The cat may run and hide, keep your attention on the dog in their down-stay position. If the dog reacts to the cat walking or running, you will need to go back to step 4, with 3 daily sessions until they ignore each other while the cat is loose. NEVER allow the dog to “play” by chasing the cat, under any circumstances.

Step 6: Both animals loose together!

Congratulations, you have successfully reached the last step of the introduction process. You can now drop the leash!

PS: even after this step, keep your pets separated when you are not home with a physical barrier (crate, door, etc) to be certain they will both be safe, for at least an additional month.

Keep in mind that some dogs have a very high prey drive and some cats do not like dogs no matter what. If the tips above do not work, please seek professional help!

If you are considering bringing a new best friend to your cat, congratulations! But keep in mind that patience is always the key.

Here is a 4-step plan to introduce your new cat to your resident cat in a safe and relaxed environment.

Step 1: Before you take your new cat home

• Choose a room for your new cat, away from the resident cat’s favorite place.
• Prepare at least one cozy sleeping area, one hiding area (such as a crate or a “tent bed”), a litter box, a water and a food bowl.
• This step is highly recommended but not mandatory: add a pheromone diffuser, which reproduces cat facial pheromones that lower cats stress level. It might be a good idea to have a diffuser in the room and another where your resident cat spends time.

Step 2: Bringing your new cat home

• Cats feel safe when surrounded by their own scent. Place a towel the new cat has been sleeping on in the carrier in order to keep a familiar scent during the trip.
• Once home, go directly to the dedicated room without getting in contact with the resident cat and shut the door.
• Place the hiding area in a corner of the room (away from the litter box), and place the carrier beside it, then open the door.
• Do not force the cat to come out. They may be scared and stressed by the new environment.
• Leave them alone in the room and allow them to settle down and come out on their own.

Step 3: Swap scents

Cats communicate visually and by scent. So the best way to start the introduction is by “swapping” scents. This step can be done later on the same day. Keep in mind that each cat is different and the process can take anywhere between a few hours and a few months!

• Place the new cat’s towel on or near the resident cat’s favorite spot and encourage them to approach.
• If your cat hisses, spits or avoids the towel, place it on the floor, away from their bed or food bowl. Each day, move the towel closer to the food bowl.
• Do the same with your resident cat’s bedding and the new cat.
• Swap food bowls between the cats. They will start to associate the positive act of eating with the scent of the other cat.
• Once they are completely tolerant to each other’s scents, proceed to visual contact

Step 4: Controlled cat meetings

First – Visual contact between cats

• Physically separate them with a screen door or baby gate. If this is not possible, slightly open the new cat’s door so your two pets can see each other but cannot fit through the door.
• Give cats treats so they spend time close to each other or play with a feather to encourage play.
• When comfortable with each other, they will sniff noses, play through the door or rub against the door. When you see this behavior, you can have a proper introduction. There should be no growling, or repeated spitting or hissing.

Second – No barrier between cats

• Open the door and let the cats explore.
• If they fight, interrupt them by clapping your hands or with another noise that won’t scare them.
• Do not pick them up or force them to interact.

Let them distance themselves from each other if this is what they want.

There are many items and accessories you need to take into consideration before bringing your dog home. Here are the most important things to take into consideration:

• Collar/harness: Make sure your collar or harness fits your new dog properly! You should be able to place two fingers between the collar or harness and your dog’s body.
• Leash: It is extremely important to have a leash ready in order to take your new fur baby on your daily walks.
• Food & water bowls: The number of bowls will depend on the number of dogs you have. They can share one water bowl, but will definitely need their owl food bowls!
• Food: Now that you have the bowls, you need to fill them! Keep in mind that different life stages involve different food.
• Dog bed (Optional): Some dogs love having their own place to sleep, others love having your place to sleep! It depends on your preferences too; you might like to have your dog sleep in your bed. If you don’t, just get them a comfortable dog bed and place it close to your bed to encourage them to sleep on it.
• Brush or comb: Even if you plan on taking your dog to the groomer’s, having a brush or a comb, depending on the length of your dog’s coat, might come in handy. Some dogs need regular brushing or detangling, so this accessory is non-negotiable!
• Trench coat or clothes (Optional): You might have to walk your dog under the rain. Just like you, they are not thrilled about getting wet. You could get them a trench coat for rainy days. They might also get cold during the winter, so it would be a good idea to buy them sweaters or warm clothes.
• Poop bags: Do not forget to pick up after your dog!
• Toys: Toys will keep your dog occupied and happy. Squeaky ones are usually their favorites, but each dog has their own preferences. Some good starters are chew toys and a ball for fetch.

Before bringing you newly adopted cat home, you should take into consideration the items and accessories you’ll need to cross off your cat essentials checklist.

• Cat carrier: Once the adoption process is complete, you will need to take your cat home! This is when the carrier comes into action. You will also need it whenever you have to take your fur baby to the vet’s.
• Litter box: There is no way around the litter box! Depending on the number of cats you have, you will need one litter box pet cat, plus one. For example, if you have 2 cats, you will need 3 litter boxes.
• Litter bag: You already have a litter box, now you need to fill it with litter. This is where your cat will poop and pee. Try to clean it as often as possible to ensure your cat’s happiness and comfort!
• Food & water bowls: Cats usually do not like having their food and water bowls next to each other. You could also opt for a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more, as they tend to drink less when the water is stagnant.
• Food: Now that you have the bowls, you need to fill them! Keep in mind that different life stages involve different food.
• Cat trees (Optional): Cats usually like to sit in a safe, high place; cat trees offer your cat this safe space to prevent them from looking for other places such as shelves, closets and kitchen counters.
• Scratchers: Are you worried your new cat might scratch the furniture? This behavior is instinctive, so you need to give them an acceptable place to do so. This is where scratchers come in handy. Place it somewhere your cat likes to spend time or it won’t be used.
• Toys: Toys are a good way to force your cat to exercise, which, in turn, will improve their overall health and mood.

Cat bed (Optional): You would think a cat would love getting all comfortable in a bed, but more often than not, your pet will switch for the comfort of a cardboard box or even for a random table in your home, which is why having a cat bed is totally optional!