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FAQS

Where are you located so I can see the dogs/cats you have available for adoption?

The first place to look for a FOCAS dog or cat is on the FOCAS Web site. This is the best place for you to virtually meet your prospective new pet.

If you then choose to meet a FOCAS cat, you will find information on the cat's bio that indicates in what cattery your prospective cat resides. You then have a chance to meet the cat in person and complete an adoption application at the cattery. From time to time we have cats with special needs that may be in foster care. The process for a foster cat is to complete a cat adoption application and submit it to FOCAS. The FOCAS cat foster coordinator will contact you to discuss your application, tell you more about the cat and arrange a time for you to meet the cat.

If you are looking for a dog to become your next best friend, you would follow the same process as cats in foster; complete and submit a dog adoption application and speak with the FOCAS dog foster coordinator about next steps toward meeting the dog.

Do you have any pure breed cat or dogs?

FOCAS concentrates on helping dogs and cats that are less likely to be adopted by the public. Many pure breed pets that are young and healthy don't have a problem finding a forever home and are often adopted very quickly by the public.

We do, on occasion, have purebred pets but they have become FOCAS pets because they needed medical attention or many have been older than many people look for when adopting a new pet.

The best way to see animals that have become FOCAS pets is to visit our Web site on a regular basis.

Many FOCAS pets may not be purebred but they are usually incredible animals that can bring joy to your home for years to come. We often hear from several of the 5,000+ FOCAS adopters about the wonderful pets they found through FOCAS.

I want to adopt a cat/dog as a present for someone. How do I do that?

We cannot adopt out an animal as a gift to a third party. FOCAS believes that many cats and dogs end up in shelters because they may have not been a good fit for the adopter. Our mission is to reduce euthanasia of adoptable pets. The best way for us to accomplish our mission is to work with potential adopters to help insure their FOCAS pet fits within the adopter's lifestyle and needs. Matching to the adopter helps prevent issues that arise later in the dog/cat/adopter's life that lead to the pet being returned to the shelter system.

Are the dogs housebroken? The cats litter box trained?

FOCAS animals are often stray animals that have formerly been picked up by San Diego County animal control officers. We can give you as much information as viewed by FOCAS fosters and cattery staff/volunteers. We will give you as much information as we have available at the time of your prospective adoption.

Some pets have an adjustment period in their foster homes and may have mistakes. Consistent positive reinforcement and regular walks can help dogs quickly learn housetraining. There are also several housetraining/litter box training tips available online.

Listed below are a few sites that may be helpful:

• Dog care
• Cat care

Are your animals spayed / neutered?

All FOCAS animals are spayed or neutered unless on the rare occasion that an animal who is recovering from injury or illness is adopted prior to final recovery or a foster adopts a kitten/puppy too young for spay/neuter at the time of the adoption. All adopters, however, are required to commit to the spay/neuter as soon as medically appropriate.

I have a pet now – how do I find out if it will get along with an animal I want to adopt?

FOCAS representatives will work with you to conduct a dog-to-dog introduction in a mutually agreeable neutral location to see if the FOCAS dog is a good fit with your current dog. FOCAS will also inform you about any known response behaviors to cats.

FOCAS does not conduct cat-to-cat introductions but will inform you if we are aware of any issues reported regarding cat interactions at the cattery or shelter notes regarding the cat's tolerance of dogs.

I'm having serious behavior problems with my pet – any suggestions?

Many behavior issues can be corrected if you are willing to spend time to learn why a dog/cat may display certain behaviors and how you can work with your pet to correct those behaviors. The San Diego Humane Society has several classes and other resources you may want to consider when working with your pet. You can call their Behavior Helpline at (619) 299-7012, ext. 2244 or visit their Web site at www.sdhumane.org for classes and more information.

Please contact FOCAS at 619-685-3536 if you adopted your pet from FOCAS.

Listed below are a few more excellent resources you may want to consider:

• www.DogsOnTheRun.com
• www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets

My pet is sick and I need financial help – does FOCAS offer any help? Do you know whom I can contact for assistance?

FOCAS mission is to reduce euthanasia of cats and dogs that reside in County shelters. All medical funding we provide is typically devoted to animals currently in the shelter system that are at risk of being euthanized without our intervention. PAWS is an organization that may be of assistance. PAWS helps with pet food and supplies, vet help, animal transport for veterinary appointments and grooming, in home services, and community services.

I found/have a pet that I cannot keep. Can you help me?

FOCAS works only with the adoption of dogs and cats from the three San Diego County Department of Animals Services Shelters. There are several shelters and other organizations that may be able to assist you. You may also want to consider posting the pet on free/low cost websites (e.g. Craigslist) or placing and ad in a newspaper. The local Penny Saver publication offers free ad space for this purpose.

There is a feral cat in my yard with some kittens. Where can I find help?

Please contact the San Diego Feral Cat Coalition

I lost my pet – any suggestions what I can do to find it?

The best method to prevent losing your animal forever is to make sure you microchip your pet. Shelters, veterinary clinics and many rescues have the ability to scan your pet's microchip and contact you with the good news that your pet is safe. (Make sure that your pet's microchip information is also updated if you move.)

If your pet is not microchipped, the best way is to contact your local shelter to see if a dog or cat that fits your description has been surrendered to the shelter. You may also need to travel to local shelters to see stray animals that may have been recently surrendered. Many shelters offer pictures of lost/found cats and dogs on their websites, which may save you a trip to that shelter.

A final tip is to post flyers throughout your neighborhood with your pet's picture and a way to contact you if the animal has been seen or found.

I need to get my pet neutered /spayed but I don't have much money – who can I call?

County of San Diego Department of Animal Services

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Referral Services: 619-236-4250
Pet Assistance (Spay/Neuter): 619-544-1222
SNAP (Spay – Neuter Action Project): 619-525-3047
Pet Link: 619-294-2063