SAYv ADOPTION HOURS

Ongoing
Started: a month ago
Ends: in 23 days

Join us for recurring adoption hours - same day adoptions available!

Please join us at PetSmart Geneva for cat adoption hours MOST Sundays from 11am - 2pm

What’s the process?

1) You come in and meet adoptable cats and kittens

2) Once you decide that you’d like to adopt a kitty, you’ll submit an application (which you can do from your phone) – sayvanimals.org/adopt

3) SAYv team members will approve your application on-site

4) You can take your new family member(s) home!

NOTE: Kittens that are not fully vetted will be “foster to adopt” and you will need to provide proof that resident pets are up-to-date on vaccines and spay/neutered. For fully vetted cats, we expect resident pets to be up-to-date on vaccines and spay/neutered.

Please see other adoption requirements here: sayvanimals.org/adoptioninfo.

These recurring events are thanks to PetSmart Charities and an amazing grant that SAYv received to increase adoptions in 2025.

Where
1512 South Randall Road, Geneva, IL, USA
To attend this event and discover more service opportunities, please login.
Login
Organizer
FAQ FAQ
How can I be best prepared to adopt at SAYv Adoption Hours?
Fill out the adoption application in advance at sayvanimals.org/adopt so the on-site team can review it quickly. Bring your phone (to show ID and complete forms), a cat carrier if you plan to take a pet home the same day, and any documentation about resident pets (vaccination/spay–neuter records) if applicable. Wear comfortable, low-scent clothing and be ready to spend time meeting cats so staff can help match you with the right fit.
What does "foster-to-adopt" mean and when does it apply?
Kittens that are not yet fully vetted may be placed on a foster-to-adopt basis: you take the kitten home while SAYv completes required veterinary care or schedules follow-up services. You will need to provide proof that any resident pets are up-to-date on vaccines and spayed/neutered per SAYv policy. Staff will explain timelines, required follow-ups, and any fees at the event; full adoption requirements are at sayvanimals.org/adoptioninfo.
I’m not ready to adopt — how can I still support the cause at the event?
You can help by volunteering to socialize cats on-site, fostering, donating supplies (blankets, carriers, canned food, litter) or making a monetary gift to SAYv. Sharing adoptable cat profiles on social media and encouraging friends and family to attend greatly increases adoption chances. Visit sayvanimals.org to learn about volunteer and donation opportunities.
What tips will help a new cat adjust to my home and resident pets?
Start with a small, quiet room for the new cat so it can acclimate, and use gradual scent exchange (bedding, bedding swaps) before supervised face-to-face meetings. Keep separate litter, food/water, and bedding initially, introduce on neutral territory, and use short, positive interactions that build confidence. Expect a slow transition—many cats take days to weeks to fully settle—and contact your vet or SAYv for behavior resources if you have concerns.
Are there any health or safety precautions I should follow at the adoption hours?
The events are indoors, but if severe weather is expected check SAYv’s channels for updates. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home to protect animals and staff. Wash or sanitize hands before and after handling cats, avoid wearing strong fragrances, and do not bring unvaccinated animals to the event; have proof of resident pets’ vaccinations and spay/neuter status available when required.
Facts Did you know?
Facts

Adopting from a shelter gives a second chance to animals in need — roughly 3 million+ dogs and cats are adopted from shelters in the U.S. each year, so every adoption helps free space for another animal waiting for rescue.

https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/estimated-shelter-intake-and-outcome-data

Facts

Adoption fees often include core veterinary care (vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter), making adoption more affordable than buying from many breeders or pet stores.

https://www.aspca.org/adopt-pet/adoption-tips/why-adopt

Facts

Spaying and neutering not only helps reduce pet overpopulation, but also lowers the risk of certain cancers and unwanted behaviors — improving the long-term health and adoptability of animals.

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/spay-neuter-your-pet

Facts

Fostering a cat or kitten increases their chance of a successful adoption by providing socialization, reducing stress, and allowing staff to better match pets with permanent homes.

https://bestfriends.org/resources/foster

Facts

Pet ownership is linked to mental and physical health benefits — including reduced loneliness, lower stress, and increased physical activity — making adoption rewarding for both people and animals.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-pets

Facts

Keeping pets vaccinated and up-to-date on routine care protects public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases and helps maintain a healthier community for people and animals alike.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html