News & Events

Why Halfway Home Pet Rescue Checks References Before Approving an Adoption

At Halfway Home Pet Rescue (HHPR), every adoption decision is guided by one simple goal: placing our cats in safe, loving, and permanent homes.

Many of the cats that come into our care have experienced neglect, abandonment, abuse, or unstable living situations. They deserve a second chance—and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help ensure that second chance lasts a lifetime.

That’s why we ask for a veterinary reference and, when applicable, a landlord reference as part of our adoption process.

Why We Check Veterinary References

A veterinary reference helps us verify that current or previous pets have received routine and appropriate medical care. This includes wellness exams, vaccinations as required by Maine law, treatment when pets become sick or injured, and spaying or neutering.

This isn’t about expecting anyone to be a “perfect” pet owner. We understand that every family faces different circumstances and that unexpected situations can arise. Instead, we’re looking for adopters who understand that caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment and who are willing to provide medical care when it’s needed.

By confirming that resident pets receive routine veterinary care, we’re helping create a healthy environment for the cat being adopted and increasing the likelihood of a successful, lifelong placement.

Why We Check Landlord References

For adopters who rent their homes, we verify that pets are allowed and that there are no restrictions that could prevent the adopted cat from remaining in the home.

Sadly, one of the most common reasons pets are surrendered is because housing rules weren’t confirmed before adoption. A simple landlord verification can prevent the heartbreak of a family having to return a beloved pet because pets aren’t permitted.

Taking this extra step helps protect both the adopter and the cat from an avoidable situation.

Our Commitment to Every Cat

We know reference checks can add a little time to the adoption process, but they’re an important part of responsible rescue.

Every policy we have is designed with one purpose in mind: giving our cats the best possible chance at a safe, stable, and loving forever home. By carefully screening adopters, we reduce the likelihood of returns, minimize stress on our cats, and help build lasting matches between people and pets.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the adoption process. Your willingness to work with us demonstrates the same commitment we have—to ensuring every cat finds the loving home they deserve.

Thank you for choosing adoption and for supporting Halfway Home Pet Rescue. Together, we’re giving homeless cats the second chance they’ve been waiting for.

Kitten Exchange & Adoption Program: Supporting Cats and the Community

At Halfway Home Pet Rescue, we understand that unexpected litters happen—and when they do, it can feel overwhelming. Veterinary care is expensive, and finding safe, responsible homes for multiple kittens isn’t easy. That’s why we created our Kitten Exchange & Adoption Program: to provide compassionate, judgment-free support for both cats and their owners.

How the Program Works

If you find yourself caring for unwanted kittens, we can step in to help. Through our program, the kittens are brought into our care where they receive proper attention, socialization, and veterinary services. From there, we ensure they are placed in safe, loving, pre-screened homes.

Meanwhile, the mother cat is not forgotten. After the kittens are weaned, she will be returned to you having received essential medical care, including:

• Spay surgery
• Vaccinations
• Deworming
• SNAP combo testing (for Feline Leukemia and FIV)
• Ear cleaning and nail trimming

This comprehensive care totals approximately $350 in veterinary services, helping to prevent future litters while improving her overall health.

When Surrender Is the Best Option

We understand that every situation is different. If you’re unable to keep the mother cat, we can take in the entire family—ensuring both mom and kittens receive the care they need and are placed in loving, permanent homes.

A Mission Rooted in Compassion

Our goal is never to shame—it’s to support. We recognize the challenges pet owners face and are committed to being a resource for our community. By working together, we can reduce the number of homeless animals and give every cat the opportunity for a safe, happy life.

Learn More

If you’re interested in adopting or want to learn more about how we can help, please visit: http://halfwayhomepetrescue.org/adoption/

Together, we can make a difference—one mama cat and one kitten at a time.

Welcome, Jay Roy!

We are thrilled to welcome Jay Roy as our new Adoption Center Manager at Halfway Home Pet Rescue.

Many in the Caribou community already know Jay from his years at Roy’s IGA or his time at McCain’s. What some may not know is that Jay’s connection to animal rescue runs deep. Years ago, Jay and his father, Ernest, cared for a colony of more than 70 cats behind the IGA. It was there that Jay first partnered with Norma, helping to trap, sterilize, and rehabilitate the cats—laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to rescue work.

When Norma recently faced health challenges, Jay stepped up without hesitation—first as a dedicated volunteer, and now as our Adoption Center Manager. His return feels like a reunion of kindred spirits and a natural continuation of the mission. As Jay shared with us, “I work for a cause, not applause.”

Our volunteers have described Jay’s arrival as a true “booster shot” of energy for the rescue. With his extensive hands-on experience, deep knowledge of animal care, and genuine heart for the mission, we are excited and confident as we move into this next chapter.

Continued Care & Community Support

Under Jay’s leadership, Halfway Home Pet Rescue will continue providing the highest quality care for rescued cats. Questions from the public regarding stray or feral cats, colony management, surrenders, adoptions, or spay/neuter clinic options are welcome and encouraged.

Contact

Jay Roy
Adoption Center Manager, Halfway Home Pet Rescue
Email: jay@halfwayhomepetrescue.org
Phone: 207-999-1075

Please join us in welcoming Jay Roy—we’re so grateful to have him leading the way.

Save Lives When You File Your Maine Taxes!

When completing your Maine State Income Tax Return, you can make a voluntary contribution to the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund—just check the box labeled “The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.”

Your donation helps:

✔️ Spay and neuter cats and dogs
✔️ Prevent unwanted litters
✔️ Reduce shelter intakes and euthanasia
✔️ Decrease the number of feral cats across Maine

💙 Important to know: This is a state program NOT funded by tax dollars. It exists only through public donations made on Form 1040. These contributions provide Help Fix Me vouchers for low-income families and feral cat colonies statewide.

⚠️ If enough people don’t check this box and donate, the program will not be funded.

Please help protect Maine’s animals—check the box, add the form, and make a difference when you file.