If you wish to adopt a dog or a cat from MAPS, we will have a chat with you first about the type of cat or dog you are looking for, followed by a home visit to see where you are planning to keep your dog or cat. A report will then be made to the committee for their decision on whether the adoption or foster can go ahead.

The criteria for the committee to decide who gets to adopt or foster a dog or cat are as follows:

A safe and secure environment

Dog: A dog will require a fenced in garden, a fenced in area, or a tie out no less than twice the length of the animal or six feet, whichever is longer. The tie out must also be of a suitable material; i.e., coated cable, chain, etc., and must be attached to a flat collar and not to the dog him/herself. Further, the tie out must have a swivel attachment in order to keep the dog from becoming tangled in the line.

Cat: a cat will require a safe place to live away from aggressive dogs and busy traffic.

Shelter

All animals require a dry, comfortable and safe place to sleep. For dogs, a kennel should be of an appropriate size so as to allow the dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably and should be constructed in such a way as to allow adequate ventilation without the animal being subjected to the elements.

Further requirements/responsibilities

MAPS will endeavour to spay or neuter the cat or dog before it is put up for adoption. If this is not possible due to the health issues, age of the pet or having no vet on the island, MAPS will give the new owner a certificate, which will require the new owner to spay or neuter the animal at the earliest opportunity and at no cost to them.

The new owner will be responsible for providing a minimum of one balanced meal per day and to ensure that fresh water is available at all times. (Puppies and kittens up to one year of age require two meals daily)

The new owner will be required to ensure his new pet will remain flea and tick free.

The new owner will be responsible for de-worming his cat/dog at least once every 3 months.

The new owner will be responsible for taking the pet to the vet annually for a health check up and inoculations, and will ensure that the animal is provided professional veterinary care immediately in the event the animal becomes sick or injured.

MAPS can provide advice on these requirements and also provide the worming tablets for a small cost.

The new owner further agrees:

1. Not to physically abuse the animal or treat it inhumanely.

2. Not to have any type of cosmetic surgery performed on this animal such as ear cropping, tail docking, declawing etc.

3. Not to permit or cause the animal to be used for purposes of experimentation, research, exploitation or dog fighting.

4. Not to allow the animal to run loose or to violate any laws of Montserrat and to notify MAPS immediately if the animal is lost or believed to be stolen.

If the adoption does not work out

If the adoption does not work out or you are unable to look after your adopted/fostered cat/dog, MAPS will arrange to transport the animal back to the shelter. You agree not to sell nor give the animal away and that you will return it to MAPS for rehoming.

MAPS will do occasional visits to see how the new owner and dog/cat are getting on. MAPS will be happy to give advice as necessary.

If we find the dog/cat neglected and the owner does not make any attempt to improve the animal’s condition, then MAPS will repossess the animal.

MAPS Responsibilities

The Montserrat Animal Protection Society will make every effort to place healthy animals. However, we can not be financially responsible for any medical expenses that may be incurred in the future.

The new owner will have to sign a declaration agreeing to this policy before the animal is released to the new owner.