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The first step is to phone (preferred ) or email Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service for assessment regarding prospective ownership and pet suitability.

Adoption Application forms must be completed and include a vet reference and photos of yards and fencing. A property inspection will be carried out on properties in the Port Macquarie area.

New dog owners must have a fully secure, fenced yard offering protection from all types of weather, subject to approval by PMAWS.

A 2 week trial period commences on the day of adoption.

All PMAWS dogs & cats are desexed, vaccinated, heart & intestinal wormed, flea & tick treated.

Introducing a Kitten/Cat into a new home (especially where either a dog or cat already lives) can be a difficult challenge. It requires patience, perseverance and supervision.

Once your new kitten/cat arrives home, it should be made to feel safe in its own room - we call this the "sanctuary". \ No other cat or dog should be allowed into this room. The kitten/cat will need bedding, food, water, a view out of a window and somewhere to hide. A good idea in dog and cat families is also a 2 metre tall scratching post, where a kitten/cat can retreat if it needs to.

Keep the kitten/cat in a room for the first few days, then, gradually, using a series of wooden chocks (or similar), open the door slightly to allow paws and noses to meet. It can then be opened further to allow the kitten/cat in and out, but not the older cat or dog in. We recommend that this should be continued for 14 days.

PMAWS urges all owners to keep their cats indoors.