Bus adoption process
Adopting is a big commitment, and our Desert Catopia team is here to help you through the adoption process
How it works?
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Check out our adoptable cats and kittens on our Adoptable Cats page! We update regularly, but some cats may not make it to the bus on event day for various reasons.
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Expedite the adoption process by registering to adopt with Desert Catopia. Your registration is valid for an entire year, giving you the ability to fast-track your interest when you see a cat you’d like to meet! Please click here to complete your registration.
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Check our schedule and stop by one of our adoption events across Coachella Valley.
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Come to the Adoption Bus! No appointment needed. Bring one form of I.D. You will be asked to sign a waiver to board the bus and meet Your Match.
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Once you've fallen in love (trust us, it happens fast!), fill out a quick application. We’ll go over basic questions to ensure a great fit. Our counselors and volunteers will be on-board to guide you through every step of the adoption process.
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Our team reviews applications on-site. If approved, you’ll complete an adoption agreement and pay a small adoption fee that helps support future rescues.
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Before you head home, we’ll capture the moment with a big, happy adoption photo—so get ready to smile!
7 easy Adoption stepS
Thank you for considering adopting a rescue cat!
Important information
To adopt a cat, you must be 18 years or older and provide a valid photo ID. In some cases, proof of your current address—such as a utility bill—may also be required.
Desert Catopia’s goal is to find the best match for each cat’s needs and for every family looking to adopt. We reserve the right to decline any adoption.
Mobile adoptions are first come, first served, so we recommend arriving as early as possible!
The adoption process includes visiting the bus, filling out an application, having a counseling session, and interacting with the cat you wish to adopt. Please allow at least an hour to complete the entire process.
For your new cat’s safety, a carrier is required to take them off the bus. We highly recommend bringing your own sturdy carrier, especially for larger or extra-adventurous kitties! If you don’t have one, we offer basic cardboard carriers for a small fee.
adoption fees
Adoption fees may vary based on current promotions and could be partially covered by our generous sponsors. For the latest updates on special offers and sponsorships, be sure to follow us on social media!
Adoption fees help cover the care and medical needs of our cats while they wait for their forever homes. The majority of the fees go directly to the rescues and shelters we partner with, supporting food, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and veterinary care.
A portion of the fees also helps Desert Catopia cover the costs of running our mobile adoption bus, including transportation, supplies, and making adoptions accessible across the Coachella Valley.
Your adoption fee isn’t just a payment — it’s a way to support rescue efforts and ensure more cats get a second chance at a loving home.
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Adoption fees include:
Spaying or neutering
Initial wellness vaccinations (FvRCP)
Pre-registered Microchip
Flea prevention/ Deworming
Rabies vaccine with certificate (if over 6 moths of age)
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Adoption fees include:
Spay or neutering
Initial wellness vaccination and/ or boosters (FvRCP)
Rabies vaccine with certificate
Pre-registered Microchip
Flea prevention/ Deworming
Possible FIV/ FeLV test
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Adoption fees include:
Spay or neutering
Initial wellness vaccination and/ or boosters (FvRCP)
Rabies vaccine and booster with certificate
Pre-registered Microchip
Flea prevention/ Deworming
Possible FIV/ FeLV test
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* Defined as any cat who spent over a year in a rescue/ shelter.
Adoption fees include:
Spay or neutering
Initial wellness vaccination and/ or boosters (FvRCP)
Rabies vaccine with certificate
Pre-registered Microchip
Flea prevention/ Deworming
Possible FIV/ FeLV test
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Some cats are bonded pairs, and we always encourage adopting kittens in twos. To help them stay together, we offer 50% off the second adoption fee!
Pair of Kittens: $210
Pair of Bonded Adults: $105–$150
Pair of Long-Term Residents: $75
Twice the love, half the price—because some friendships are forever.
bus rules
To ensure a calm and comfortable environment for both visitors and our cats, please follow these guidelines:
No Loud Noises – Keep voices low and movements gentle. Sudden sounds can scare the cats.
No Opening Cages – Our team will assist you when it’s time to meet a cat.
No Feeding – The cats are on a special diet. Outside treats are not allowed.
Sanitize Hands – Please sanitize before and after interacting with the cats.
Supervise Children – One 18+ adult per two children under 12. All children must be monitored at all times.
Be Gentle & Respectful – Cats have moods just like us. If a cat doesn’t seem interested in visiting, please give them space.