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The Bridge Home Program is designed to provide temporary care for cats whose families are experiencing a temporary crisis, with the goal of safe reunification whenever possible.

Program Guidelines

• Limited Capacity: Acceptance into the program is based on available space, staffing, funding, and our ability to safely house each cat according to age, medical condition, disease risk, and temperament.

• Application Required: Admission is not guaranteed. Each request is reviewed individually to determine whether the program is an appropriate fit.

• Referral Preferred: Priority is given to individuals and families actively working with a case manager, social worker, hospital, domestic violence program, homeless shelter, or other service provider.

• Temporary Program: Cats may remain in the program for up to 90 days, unless Edgar & Ivy's approves an extension under exceptional circumstances.

• Weekly Communication: Owners must remain in contact with Edgar & Ivy's at least once every seven (7) days and immediately report any changes in contact information or housing status.

• Case Manager Required: Participants must provide the name and contact information of their assigned case manager or service provider so we can coordinate reunification efforts.

• Veterinary Care: Edgar & Ivy's will provide routine and medically necessary veterinary care while the cat is in our custody.

• Mandatory Spay/Neuter: All intact cats accepted into the program will be spayed or neutered when medically appropriate. This requirement is mandatory.

• Mandatory Microchip: Every cat will be permanently microchipped to ensure accurate identification and facilitate reunification.

• Vaccinations & Preventive Care: Cats may receive vaccinations, parasite prevention, testing, and other routine wellness care as recommended by our veterinary team.

• Emergency Medical Decisions: If a cat becomes critically ill, Edgar & Ivy's will make every reasonable effort to contact the owner. If immediate action is required to prevent unnecessary suffering and the owner cannot be reached, medical decisions may be made based on the recommendation of the attending veterinarian.

• Safe Reunification: Cats will only be returned when the owner can provide a safe, stable, and lawful home. Edgar & Ivy's may request documentation that housing allows pets before reunification.

• Failure to Reunify: If an owner no longer wishes to reclaim their cat, fails to maintain communication, or does not meet the requirements of the program, ownership may transfer to Edgar & Ivy's in accordance with the signed Bridge Home Agreement.

• Lifetime Commitment: If circumstances change and an owner is no longer able to care for their cat after reunification, Edgar & Ivy's asks that the cat be returned to us rather than surrendered elsewhere or rehomed independently.

Our Promise

We understand that life can change unexpectedly. Our goal is to provide a temporary bridge during difficult times—helping families stay together whenever it is safe and in the best interest of the cat.

Because our resources are limited, we cannot guarantee placement for every request. However, we are committed to treating every family with compassion and will do our best to help explore available options, even if we are unable to accept a cat into the program.