A FAILED ADOPTION
On August 1, 2026, I adopted a beautiful little female kitten from S.A.R.A as a companion for my 18-month-old male cat. They became inseparable within 2 days. Unfortunately, due to some serious test results, the kitten had to be returned to the rescue within 3 weeks of her coming to my home. When I returned the kitten, the rescue representative and I had talked about my potentially having her back in my care in a few months. Within a week of my returning her, the kitten was reposted for adoption under the name I gave her, and the posting indicated she had tested positive with FIP, which was completely false. I have her test results in writing from my vet, which I had provided to S.A.R.A. Furthermore, I was not advised the kitten was going to be reposted. I found out by coming across the re-posting on PetFinders – no contact from the rescue.
Needless to say, I was shocked and hurt as S.A.R.A was completely aware of how much I adored the kitten, and how quickly she had bonded with my cat. I reached out via email, and the response (which took 2 days) indicated the kitten was reposted as S.A.R.A felt it would be better for her to be in a “single cat” home, or with a dog—which was also noted in the new posting. A few days later, I learned S.A.R.A approved an adoption to a couple that have a dog and a kitten as well. To make matters worse, this couple is closely connected to me and actually adopted their kitten from S.A.R.A the same day I adopted mine. In fact, they are from the same litter. The only way I found out S.A.R.A had approved this adoption was through a phone call from the couple indicating they were adopting my kitten and wanted to let me know. They had no knowledge of what had occurred between the rescue representative and me over the last few days prior to their adopting her – none whatsoever. They were mortified that none of this information was communicated to them. My understanding from the couple was that the board had to agree to them taking the kitten. I can only assume that when the board was approached by the rescue representative and advised about the new adopters, full disclosure was not provided, or they think that how the situation was handled is acceptable behavior, which it is not.
The rescue representative’s actions were completely unethical, deeply disrespectful, and unprofessional. They did not tell the truth, and they did not keep their word. Furthermore, they withheld vital information from the new adopters, which is totally unforgivable and has now caused unnecessary strain. I truly believe the rescue representative stayed silent because they knew the truth would expose their behavior. I was explicit in writing that I wanted the kitten back, and they were completely aware the kitten was 100% bonded with my cat—yet they hid everything from the new adopters. I now have to see this kitten that should be in MY home every time I visit this household. I can only hope, with every ounce of my being, that S.A.R.A never treats another adopter like this again. Their behavior was reprehensible. If this is how S.A.R.A representatives treat people who only want to give loving homes to animals, then the board seriously needs to re-evaluate who they allow to run their operations.
An immediate internal review needs to be conducted into this deceptive behavior, the falsification of animal health records in online postings, and the complete lack of professional transparency. The handling of what should have been a successful, permanent adoption is a direct liability to the organization's reputation and mission.
I have all emails correspondence and medical documentation that support what I have noted above in my review, and ready to provide to the board president upon request.
