I. NO DECLAWING PERMITTED

Texas CARES policy for all adopted animals does not permit the owner to  declaw the cat. De-clawing consists of amputating not just the claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), including bones, ligaments, and tendons! Declawing is not a “simple”, single surgery but 10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. The Texas CARES Adoption Agreement has a clause prohibiting declawing because it can cause serious physical, psychological and behavioral complications. You understand that scratching is normal cat behavior and you will provide scratching pads and keep their nails trimmed.

II. ADOPTER MUST BE 21 OR OLDER

Texas CARES policy for all adopted animals does not permit the owner to  be under 21 years of age. The Adoption Agreement is a legally binding contract. You must be at least 21 or older to adopt an animal from Texas CARES and execute the Adoption Agreement.