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SanctuariesFinding a good sanctuary to accept your cats is a difficult task. The problem is plain:there are millions of feral cats and only a handful of well-run, trustworthy sanctuaries.There is rarely space available in one for even a single feral cat, let alone an entirecolony.To place an animal in anything less than a stable, reputable sanctuary would beirresponsible. Unfortunately, poorly run “sanctuaries” are abundant. They may be run bypeople with good motivations, but usually lack sufficient staff, space or funds to sustain aresource-intensive, long-term commitment like a sanctuary. These places can and oftendo turn into hoarding situations where far too many animals are taken in, then neglectedand subjected to horrible conditions. If you hear about a place which keeps taking inlarge numbers of feral cats, seemingly saying yes to anyone who asks, that’s a red flagindicating something is probably very wrong. There are also, sadly, a few groups andindividuals who pretend to have sanctuaries and lie to people desperate to find a place forferals. They take donations for the cats and then either have them put down or warehousethem in poor conditions.Similar to relocation, the only way you can ensure your cats are going to a good placeand not a horror show is to investigate the sanctuary yourself. As the person responsiblefor the lives of the cats, it’s up to you to exercise your own independent judgment.Most importantly, you should personally visit the facility to make an on-siteinspection, preferably before you bring the cats. If the place is well run, they’ll be happyto take you on a tour of the entire sanctuary. If they won’t let you past the front door,that’s another red flag. While you’re there, ask lots of questions – again, if a place is wellrun, the people in charge will be happy to tell you anything you want to know. If theyresent your questions or give less than complete answers, take this as a strong sign it’snot going to be a good home for your cats.To be a long-term, stable situation, a sanctuary must have a strong legal and financialfoundation. Here’s what you need to find out about these conditions:1) Is the facility operating legally? Is a license required by the town, county or statefor running a shelter or sanctuary? If so, do they have one and is it current? Ask tosee it and call the licensing authority to verify information you’re given. Alsoimportant is whether the property is zoned for sheltering large numbers of animals. Ifzoning is a problem or if a license is needed but missing, reject the place.2) What kind of right does the sanctuary have to the land? Do they own or lease it?If it’s owned, is there an outstanding mortgage and if so, for how much? If it’sleased, how long is the term? Does the lease allow for a sanctuary? Again, don’t beafraid to ask to see the documentation. Cats can live to twenty years, and you need toknow the sanctuary is going to be around for that long. If the lease runs out soon orthe mortgage payments can’t be made and the place shuts down, what do the ownersplan to do with the animals?3) Is the sanctuary in good standing with local authorities? Call the local healthdepartment to see if there have been violations. The local animal control or law131