My name is Athena Haakenson!

At the adoption fairs, if you meet a kitten or cat that you want to adopt, you will be asked to complete an application and contract and leave a check for the adoption fee ($120 for an adult or $145 for un-neutered kitten of which $50 is a deposit that is refunded after you provide 4Paws proof of sterilization). We ask that you pay the adoption fee up front at the fairs in order to “put a hold” on the cat until your application is processed. If your application is not approved, your check is returned to you.

Neither cats nor kittens are sent to their new homes on the day of the fair. It usually takes 4-5 days to process the application before the cat can go to his or her adoptive home. Pre-approval is an option, though. To accelerate the adoption process, you can fax a completed application and contract to us at 703-560-9795 a few days before the fair. Adoption Applications are available on this website.

https://fourpaws.org/adopt-a-cat/adoption-application-contract/

Adoption fairs are held once or twice a month at various PETCO stores in Northern Virginia. The adoption fairs are usually held on Saturday’s from 1:00 to 5:00. Between 30 and 60 cats and kittens are shown for adoption at each fair—with the larger fairs generally occurring April through October.

While they are waiting to find permanent loving homes, our cats temporarily live in foster homes. The foster families bring the cats and kittens to the adoption fairs to be seen by potential adopters. Applicants have the opportunity to handle the cats and in some cases, meet the foster parents who can provide additional insight into a cat’s habits and personality.

The 4Paws Rescue Team is a nonprofit community-based all volunteer organization that takes in neglected, abandoned, abused and unwanted cats and kittens. Cats rescued by 4Paws receive vaccines and appropriate veterinary care before being adopted into permanent, loving homes. An animal rescued by 4Paws will never be euthanized except out of medical necessity.

Additionally, 4Paws is dedicated to supporting the management of populations and improving the health of feral cat colonies. 4Paws volunteers also hold seminars in local schools to teach children the importance of responsible pet care.

4Paws is a qualified public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. A copy of our FY2005 annual report may be viewed by clicking here.

The 4Paws Rescue Team participates in the Combined Federal Campaign and Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. Federal Government workers can contribute to 4Paws through payroll deductions by designating #34517. Virginia State Employees may contribute through their payroll by designating #200063.