My Nonprofit Reviews

Almost two weeks ago I visited the ASPCA 92nd Street location and adopted a 4-year-old tuxedo cat I've named Herbie. I knew I wanted to adopt an older cat to give it a chance at having a good home, but since I've never owned a cat before I also knew I needed some guidance. The ASPCA has you fill out a questionnaire so they can get to know you better and then you sit down with a volunteer to figure out what kind of cat personality you're looking for (they test each cat to determine if they're a 'sidekick', 'leader of the band,' etc.). After that the volunteer took me into the room where the cats are kept, each one of them with their own bed, food, and toys behind glass. The space was very clean and each cat has information about their approximate age, adoption date, description of their temperament, and any health issues the ASPCA vet may have come across during their examination. Herbie was a 'see vet' cat, which means I met with the vet before officially adopting him so she could explain some health issues he came in with.

I didn't take too long looking around for a cat, but the staff wants to make sure the cats are paired with the right person so they definitely would have taken the time. I was just so smitten with Herbie after I kneeled down and he came out of his bed and put his paws on the glass right where I was. I knew he was the one! Even so, they take the cat to a socialization area so you can get to know it better. I can be a little timid in these situations and this was my first ever adoption as I mentioned, so I really appreciated the patience, care, and expertise of the staff and volunteers.

After meeting with the vet, I filled out the paperwork and picked up a starter kit (food/water bowls, litter box and litter, and some toys) they had on hand. They provide packets/cans of dry and wet food at no cost and an information guide on everything you need to know about caring for your pet in the years to come. I also bought a hard carrier from them, which was recommended for Herbie (you can also rent one). It looks like a lot of cats, especially kittens, go home in a box that the ASPCA provides.

I was really impressed with the fact that the ASPCA takes such good care of these animals and gives them the best chance possible to be adopted into a loving home. Herbie was given his vaccines and microchipped/registered automatically with Home Again (they do this for all their animals), and he also received a necessary tooth extraction. This was done when he arrived a month earlier. Also, the adoption fee is waived for cats over 3. All this means I adopted a cat at no charge, which I didn't expect. I just paid for the starter kit and carrier.

Herbie really has come into his own in his new home, and it warms my heart every day to see him feeling more and more at ease. I can't imagine my life without him, and I'm so glad I chose the ASPCA who took care of him so well after he was out on the streets for who knows how long. They will take an adopted pet back whenever, even years down the line, in the event you can no longer care for the pet. Herbie will always be safe with me, but I think that shows the ASPCA's life-long commitment to these animals. They check in with you periodically after adoption to make sure everything is okay, and they also provide a 14-day medical voucher in case anything should pop up that they didn't spot while he was at the shelter.

Thank you, ASPCA! I will definitely be supporting your efforts with donations in the future. You do a wonderful thing. Herbie would thank you too, but he's too busy snoring in the cat bed I made him (photo attached). :)