🏡 10 Places That Take Cats for Free: Everything You Need to Know!
Finding a new home for your cat can be an emotional and difficult decision, whether it’s due to unexpected circumstances or personal situations. Many people wonder if there are places that take cats for free—without judgment, and with the assurance that the pet will find a safe, loving environment. This guide provides a comprehensive list of 10 places that accept cats for free.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers for Rehoming Your Cat 🐱
- Do shelters accept cats for free? Yes, many animal shelters and rescue groups do, depending on their space and resources.
- Can I find no-kill shelters for my cat? Absolutely! Several no-kill shelters nationwide accept cats at no cost.
- Will these organizations rehome my cat? Yes, they will place your cat in foster care or find them a permanent home.
- What’s the quickest way to rehome my cat? Local shelters, humane societies, or rescue groups are your best options.
- Can I contact them directly? Yes! We’ve included phone numbers for each organization below.
🐾 1. Best Friends Animal Society (Nationwide)
Best Friends Animal Society operates in several states across the country and works with local shelters and rescue organizations. They accept cats and other animals for free, aiming to place them in forever homes or foster care through their extensive network.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 435-644-2001
- 🌐 Website: bestfriends.org
💡 Pro Tip: If there isn’t a Best Friends location nearby, they often partner with smaller shelters and rescues to assist with intake.
🐾 2. ASPCA (Nationwide)
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) accepts cats in several cities across the U.S. They are dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and finding homes for surrendered pets, including cats, at no cost to the owner.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 212-876-7700 (New York HQ)
- 🌐 Website: aspca.org
💡 Pro Tip: If you live in a large city, check for an ASPCA location near you, as they typically offer free surrender services in metropolitan areas.
🐾 3. The Humane Society (Nationwide)
The Humane Society is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the country, with locations in most states. They offer cat surrender services for free and work tirelessly to rehome animals through their network of shelters and fosters.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 202-452-1100 (National Office)
- 🌐 Website: humanesociety.org
💡 Pro Tip: Many local Humane Society branches have different procedures, so it’s always best to call ahead and confirm intake availability.
🐾 4. Petfinder Foundation (Nationwide)
Petfinder Foundation partners with hundreds of shelters across the U.S. to provide resources for rehoming cats. While Petfinder itself doesn’t accept animals, they can help you find a local shelter that takes cats for free through their database.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 520-207-0626
- 🌐 Website: petfinderfoundation.com
💡 Pro Tip: Use Petfinder’s search tool to locate shelters and rescue groups in your area that accept cats at no charge.
🐾 5. Paws (Chicago, IL & Nationwide)
Paws is a no-kill shelter network with multiple locations, primarily based in Chicago but with partners nationwide. They take in cats for free, ensuring that every cat is placed in a loving home or foster environment.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 773-475-9462
- 🌐 Website: pawschicago.org
💡 Pro Tip: Paws often partners with no-kill shelters across the U.S., making it easier to rehome your cat if you’re not in Chicago.
🐾 6. Animal Rescue League (Des Moines, IA & Nationwide)
The Animal Rescue League (ARL) in Des Moines serves Iowa and has expanded partnerships nationwide. They accept cats for free and place them into a no-kill environment until a forever home is found.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 515-262-9503
- 🌐 Website: arl-iowa.org
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re outside of Iowa, ARL can connect you with local resources to help with surrendering your cat for free.
🐾 7. Hearts Alive Village (Las Vegas, NV & Nationwide)
Hearts Alive Village is a Las Vegas-based organization with strong nationwide ties to rescue groups and shelters. They provide free cat surrender services and focus on giving pets a second chance through fostering and adoption.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 702-870-0065
- 🌐 Website:
💡 Pro Tip: Hearts Alive Village offers a comprehensive intake process, ensuring your cat is well-cared for during the transition.
🐾 8. Arizona Humane Society (Phoenix, AZ & Nationwide)
The Arizona Humane Society serves as a hub for people in the Southwest but offers services nationwide through its partnerships. They accept cats for free and ensure their well-being while searching for a new home.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 602-997-7585
- 🌐 Website: azhumane.org
💡 Pro Tip: The Arizona Humane Society also offers behavior and medical support for pets in case you’re considering options besides surrender.
🐾 9. Austin Pets Alive! (Austin, TX & Nationwide)
Austin Pets Alive! is a leader in no-kill rescue efforts, providing free cat surrender services in Austin and connecting people across the country to shelters that offer similar support.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 512-961-6519
- 🌐 Website: austinpetsalive.org
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re in Texas, Austin Pets Alive! provides one of the most comprehensive intake and foster programs available.
🐾 10. San Francisco SPCA (San Francisco, CA & Nationwide)
The San Francisco SPCA is known for its no-kill policy and extensive resources for rehoming cats. They accept cats for free and work with other organizations nationwide to ensure your pet finds a loving home.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: 415-554-3000
- 🌐 Website: sfspca.org
💡 Pro Tip: SF SPCA often has additional resources for people who may need temporary assistance rather than surrender, so always inquire about all options.
📊 Top 10 Places That Take Cats for Free – At a Glance
| Shelter/Organization | Location | Phone Number | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Friends Animal Society | Nationwide | 435-644-2001 | Partnered with local rescues for easier intake. |
| ASPCA | Nationwide (HQ in NY) | 212-876-7700 | Great for large city residents needing free surrender. |
| The Humane Society | Nationwide | 202-452-1100 | Call ahead for local branches to confirm availability. |
| Petfinder Foundation | Nationwide | 520-207-0626 | Use their database to find local shelters. |
| Paws | Chicago & Nationwide | 773-475-9462 | Excellent no-kill shelter with a wide network. |
| Animal Rescue League | Des Moines & Nationwide | 515-262-9503 | Known for robust no-kill policies and nationwide reach. |
| Hearts Alive Village | Las Vegas & Nationwide | 702-870-0065 | Focuses on finding loving foster homes. |
| Arizona Humane Society | Phoenix & Nationwide | 602-997-7585 | Provides medical and behavioral support. |
| Austin Pets Alive! | Austin & Nationwide | 512-961-6519 | Renowned for no-kill efforts and fostering programs. |
| San Francisco SPCA | San Francisco & Nationwide | 415-554-3000 | Specializes in no-kill policies with support services. |
🗝️ Key Takeaways for Rehoming Your Cat:
- Nationwide options: There are many free cat surrender locations available, depending on your area.
- No-kill shelters: Many organizations on this list prioritize no-kill policies to ensure the safety of your cat.
- Contact shelters directly: Always call ahead to confirm availability and specific surrender procedures.
- Local connections: Even national organizations work with smaller, local rescues for intake and rehoming services.
Rehoming your cat can be a hard choice, but these 10 organizations are here to help you through the process with compassion, ensuring your pet is placed in a loving, caring environment at no cost to you. 🐾
❓ Comment: “Are these organizations truly no-kill, or could my cat still be euthanized?”
Most of the organizations listed, such as Best Friends Animal Society, Paws, and Austin Pets Alive!, are committed to no-kill policies. This means they strive to save every healthy and treatable cat that comes into their care. No-kill does not mean that euthanasia never happens; in rare cases, euthanasia may be used if an animal is suffering from an untreatable condition. However, no-kill shelters work with incredible dedication to ensure that each cat gets the best chance at finding a loving home, including working with fosters, providing medical care, and promoting adoption events.
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm with the shelter what their specific no-kill policy entails. Some shelters define no-kill as maintaining a 90% or higher save rate, so asking about their statistics and practices can provide clarity.
❓ Comment: “How long will my cat stay in the shelter before being adopted?”
The length of stay for your cat can vary greatly depending on the shelter’s resources, the cat’s age, temperament, and the demand for adoptions in your area. For instance, younger cats and kittens tend to be adopted faster, sometimes within a few weeks, while older or special needs cats may require several months to find the right home. Shelters such as Best Friends Animal Society and Paws Chicago are known for their extensive foster networks, which means your cat may spend little to no time in the shelter and could go directly into foster care until a permanent home is found.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask the shelter about their typical adoption timeframes and whether your cat can enter a foster home rather than stay in the shelter, especially if they tend to get anxious in unfamiliar environments.
❓ Comment: “What if I need to rehome a cat that has health or behavioral issues? Will these organizations still take them?”
Yes, many of the organizations listed are equipped to handle cats with medical or behavioral issues. For example, Austin Pets Alive! has specialized programs for animals with complex needs, including those requiring medical care or behavioral rehabilitation. Similarly, the Arizona Humane Society offers behavioral support for cats, working with certified professionals to address behavioral challenges and help make the cat more adoptable.
However, it’s essential to provide full disclosure about your cat’s health or behavior so that the shelter can provide the right care and find the best home. Some organizations may also have medical funds or work with veterinarians who can provide necessary treatments at reduced costs.
💡 Pro Tip: If your cat has significant medical needs, look for shelters that offer medical support programs or ask if they work with local veterinary clinics that can treat the cat either in the shelter or through foster care.
❓ Comment: “How can I ensure my cat goes to a loving home after surrendering?”
Shelters and rescues, especially those like Best Friends Animal Society and the San Francisco SPCA, take extensive steps to match cats with appropriate, loving homes. They have rigorous adoption screening processes to ensure that prospective adopters are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment. This may include interviews, home visits, and requiring the adopter to have experience with pets or provide a solid understanding of the responsibilities of cat ownership.
Additionally, many of these organizations offer a trial adoption period, allowing the adopter to return the cat if the match isn’t ideal, which prevents cats from ending up in unsuitable situations. They also provide resources to new adopters, such as training tips and medical care, to support successful adoptions.
💡 Pro Tip: If this is a concern, inquire whether the shelter offers follow-up checks or has a policy for ensuring cats are returned if the adoption doesn’t work out, rather than rehomed irresponsibly.
❓ Comment: “Are there any legal requirements or paperwork involved in surrendering my cat?”
Yes, surrendering a cat typically involves filling out ownership surrender forms, which transfer legal responsibility from you to the shelter. These forms require you to provide important information about your cat’s health history, behavioral traits, and vaccination records. In some cases, the shelter may also ask you to sign an agreement stating that the surrender is voluntary, and you’re giving up ownership rights.
Shelters like the ASPCA or Humane Society often ask for vaccination and medical history, so if possible, gather all vet records before surrendering your cat. If your cat is not vaccinated or spayed/neutered, the shelter may cover these services before making the cat available for adoption.
💡 Pro Tip: Being as transparent as possible when filling out surrender forms will help the shelter better understand your cat’s needs, making it easier for them to find the right home.
❓ Comment: “Can these shelters help me with temporary care instead of permanent surrender?”
Yes, several of these organizations, including the San Francisco SPCA and Hearts Alive Village, offer temporary care or foster programs for people who are going through short-term hardships. This can include housing instability, medical emergencies, or financial difficulties. These programs are designed to help keep pets with their families while providing temporary housing and care until you’re able to take your cat back.
Some shelters also offer boarding or foster programs where your cat stays in a temporary foster home rather than a traditional shelter environment. This can be especially helpful if your cat doesn’t adjust well to a shelter setting or if you anticipate needing only short-term assistance.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask about temporary surrender or foster programs if you believe your situation is short-term. Many shelters are willing to work with owners to avoid permanent surrender when possible.
❓ Comment: “How do I prepare my cat for surrendering to a shelter?”
To make the surrender process as smooth as possible, you’ll want to ensure your cat is healthy and well-prepared before bringing them to the shelter. If your cat is not already vaccinated or microchipped, try to arrange these services ahead of time to reduce the shelter’s workload and help your cat get adopted faster.
Pack your cat’s favorite toys, bedding, or other familiar items to help ease their transition into the new environment. Providing the shelter with detailed information about your cat’s habits, medical history, and personality traits will allow them to better care for your pet and make a successful match with a future adopter.
💡 Pro Tip: Shelters appreciate when you provide a detailed profile of your cat, including their likes and dislikes, feeding schedules, and temperament. This information will make the adjustment period much easier for the cat and their new caretakers.
