FAQ

Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Here

 

Still have questions? Feel free to contact us.

 

GENERAL

  1. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS?

    The best way to reach someone at Friends of Companion Animals is email or Facebook Messenger. You can also call (734) 224-0700 during our open hours Wednesday to Saturday Noon to 5 PM. As an all-volunteer organization, we are often busy and are not always able to answer the phone, but please leave a message if no one answers. It might take some time to get back with you, but we will call you back as soon as possible if you speak slowly and clearly leave your name and number.

  2. I CAN’T KEEP MY CAT? WHAT CAN I DO?

    FOCA believes in lifelong commitments and shelters, even those as nice as FOCA, are stressful for a cat. So finding an alternative to surrender is best for everyone. Remember you’re only six degrees of separation from everyone on earth. Tell your friends to ask their friends (and maybe THEIR friends) to see if anyone wants a kitty with a slight re-homing fee ($25+ is good to thwart off dog fighters looking for ‘bait animals’ or those collecting for research labs – yes, both of these are real issues for ‘free cats’). While life is difficult, and sometimes owners can’t care for their pets, surrender should always be the last resort and not the first step. Before you contact us about surrendering, check out our CATS 101 PAGE first because maybe your issues for surrendering is found here. If the feline was adopted from FOCA, we do take our cats back as long as you have not declawed the cat and you return the FOCA feline file you were given at check-out. Keep in mind if you meet these requirements, it still might take some time for us to have space for your return. Surrender can’t be instantaneous and an appointment is always necessary. NO WALK-IN SURRENDERS ARE ACCEPTED. 

  3. DOES FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS TAKE OWNER SURRENDERS/STRAYS?

    We do we we have space, but we don’t take walk-in animals, ever. You MUST make an appointment with us. If you have a cat/ kitten you’d like to surrender contact us with the details (number of pets, ages, sex, temperament, reason for surrender, etc.). We’ll advise if we can take the feline. Our surrender fee is $40 per cat and $15 per kitten when taking a litter (three kittens would be $45, for example). At this time, we only serve the Monroe County area and other areas on a case-by-case basis.

  4. WHY DO YOU CHARGE SURRENDER FEES?

    Short answer? We don’t have a money tree in the backyard. Seriously though, cats are expensive and many come to us unfixed and/or in need of medical attention of some kind that can range from flea treatment to expensive antibiotics. For example, getting a cat to the adoption floor costs on average $100 and that’s not including should they require anything beyond ‘basic care’. Surrender fees off-set these costs so the shelter can continue to function while the other donations ‘keep the lights’ on so to speak. If you’d like to DONATE CLICK HERE.

  5. DOES FOCA HAVE EMPLOYEES OR VOLUNTEERS?

    Everyone at FOCA is a volunteer so if you’d like to help the cause you can fill out our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION HERE.

  6. HOW DO I REPORT ANIMAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT?

    FOCA doesn’t have jurisdiction to investigate or enforce animal abuse or neglect laws. Please contact your local police department as your initial report of animal abuse or neglect.

  7. WHERE DOES MY DONATION GO?

    All general donations collected help cover operating expenses which include all supplies needed for animal care (food, toys, bedding, veterinary, etc.), utility costs, insurance costs, office supplies and much more. Check out our donation page to see our latest fundraisers.

  8. I’D LIKE TO PLAN A FUNDRAISER FOR FOCA. HOW DO I START?

    Thanks for supporting us. Our Network for Good account lets you create your own online donation page for FOCA. CLICK HERE for more info.

ADOPTING

  1. HOW DO I ADOPT A CAT THROUGH FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS?

    You will need to fill out an adoption form before adopting a cat from FoCA. We check references and therefore do not do instant adoptions. However, it is possible to get per-approved by filling out and submitting an cat adoption application prior to choosing a feline, which we recommend. There is no obligation. It just makes the process quicker for everyone.

  2. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT A CAT THROUGH FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS?

    We charge $130 for kitten (under 1 year old), $100 for cats over a year and $60 for senior cats (over 5 years). All of our cats and kittens are fixed, tested, and vaccinated. Cats older than twelve weeks will usually have a rabies vaccine.

  3. I WANT TO ADOPT AN OUTDOOR CAT FOR PEST CONTROL. CAN FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS HELP ME?

    Some free-roaming cats are re-homed as barn cats by FOCA. These cats are provided free of charge, and are spayed/neutered and given the rabies vaccine, although we do ask for a donation, if possible. You will need to feed and provide adequate shelter for your barn cat so call (734) 224-0700 for more information.

SPAY/NEUTER INFO

  1. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET MY PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED?

    To learn how spaying/neutering keeps pets happier and healthier, visit Humane Ohio in Toledo at humanesociety.org or The Paws Clinic in Taylor at https://thepawsclinic.com/

  2. HOW DO I GET FRIENDS OF COMPANION ANIMALS TO PAY FOR MY CAT TO BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED?

    Friends of Companion Animals currently does not have the money to assist pet owners with the cost of spaying/neutering.

  3. DO YOU HAVE A SPAY/NEUTERED CLINIC ON-SITE?

    Not yet but we are fundraising to start a clinic to help with TNR cats in the areas around Monroe County. You can contribute by making a donation to the cause HERE.