First Watch Rescue

Trap-neuter-return.

Our humane animal control process involves the TNR method. Feral cats are safely trapped and transported to a spay and neuter clinic for surgery, pain medication, nail trim, rabies vaccine and ear tip before they are released back to their colony. This reduces much of the undesired marking, noises and other problems common with unfixed felines. TNR also stops the cycle of homeless, suffering kittens.

Foster care.

We recover friendly strays, newborn and young kittens from TNR sites that don’t belong back outside. They receive proper vetting and de-parasite while in foster care until they are adopted.

Adoption.

Applicants are carefully screened and interviewed in order to qualify for a new pet. Be sure to speed this process by asking your vet ahead of time to allow us permission to verify your pet’s history.

Send Us A Message

We have an agent available to offer information and resources for rehoming pets, low cost spay and neuter, wellness care, and more. We can also help get you started with TNR of your local feral cat colony.

firstwatchrescue@gmail.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are your adoption fees?

Kittens (under 12 months) – $175. Cats older than 12 months, the fee is $90.

Puppies under 12 months of age are $350. Dogs over 12 months are discounted by one hundred dollars and are $250 to adopt.

This is a heavily discounted rate compared to finding a free cat or dog and bringing it to your vet for vaccines or even spay/neuter alone! Fees are in place to recover the cost of care required, not for profit. How great is that?

I see an animal that I really want! Can I adopt it over the phone?

We appreciate your enthusiasm, but we do not offer rapid adoption, over-the-phone payment or holds of any kind. Your application will need to be approved. If you would like first choice to adopt, there is an exception made for those who foster – please reach out to us for more information on fostering for First Watch.

I adopted an animal from you – how do I share my story?

Hooray! Thank you for adopting! Please share your adoption story – you might inspire others to take the selfless act you did, too! Send us a message to firstwatchrescue@gmail.com with a photo and your story. We will let you know when it is published.

What if I adopt a pet and it becomes sick?

We make every effort to report the health of each pet, making sure proper examination and any applicable medical attention has been given. Once you take a pet home, you’re responsible for their care and medical bills. We cannot reimburse you for any veterinary expenses you may incur post-adoption. If you agree to any treatment or medication recommended by your vet, it will be at your own expense.

What can I do beforehand to make sure the adoption process is as quick as possible?

Be prepared to speak with us! We must cover a few topics with every applicant being considered. Are you aware of the average annual cost of a cat or a dog? Do you know about core vaccines or have a plan for when your pet becomes sick? We will go over important information and make sure you are educated and confidant about taking on a new pet.

Will you adopt to me if I don’t have a fence for a dog? What if I live in an apartment?

We consider every situation and do not reject applicants due to not having a fence.

Do I have to have my new cat or dog fixed? What if I want to use my own vet?

We will not budge on some things – this is one. We are on a mission to make a difference in the overpopulation of domesticated animals – YES, every cat and dog must be altered via a clinic of our approval. You are free to use the vet of your choice after their surgery, post-adoption.

Can I surrender my pet to your rescue?

Surrendering your pet to us means you’ve decided to permanently relinquish your pet once it is adopted by its new owner. As pets are lifelong companions, we understand your decision to surrender your pet may have been a difficult decision. In most cases we require you to foster the animal until an interested party agrees to adopt.

I rescued some kittens myself! Would you list them on your site?

Intake from outside sources is a case-by-case assessment. If you would like to foster them on our behalf, we can discuss the resources available.