Lounge Policies & Visitor Guidelines
Welcome to Starlight Strays Sanctuary! 🌟 Our Penn Hills location is the heart of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit cat rescue. This is where our cats live, heal, and receive daily care. We’ve also created a cozy lounge where visitors can relax, meet adoptable cats, and connect with our rescue community.
To keep both our cats and visitors safe, we ask that everyone follow the guidelines below.
Children & Families
All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times. There is no set minimum age, but children must treat cats with respect. If a child is rough, unsafe, or stresses the cats, you may be asked to leave.
Respecting the cats
This is the cats’ home—we are only guests. Please do not pick up, chase, or disturb cats who do not want attention. Let cats approach you on their own terms. Photos are welcome, but please avoid flash.
Biosecurity
To ensure the safety of the cats in our care, you may be asked to sanitize your hands before and after handling them. You may also be asked to wear shoe covers or use a shoe sanitizing mat. While we would never knowingly have a sick animal in the lounge area, we are not responsible for any illnesses you or your pet(s) at home may contract after your visit.
Respect & Behavior
Please follow all directions from our staff and volunteers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, aggression, or disrespectful behavior toward our team, visitors, or cats. This includes yelling, name-calling, demands, entitled behavior, discrimination, threats, or bullying—whether online or in person. Anyone engaging in these behaviors will be asked to leave and will not be permitted to return.
Food, Drink, & animals
No outside food or drinks are permitted, though closed water bottles are fine. For safety reasons, no outside pets or emotional support animals are allowed. Only ADA-compliant service animals are permitted.
Parking
Parking is available on-site, but please be considerate. Do not block the thru-way, only park in designated spaces with painted lines, and always be respectful of our neighbors’ access and property.
Time & Capacity
Visits may be limited to 30 minutes if the lounge is full. To keep things calm for the cats, we allow a maximum of 8 visitors in the lounge at one time.
Liability
Starlight Strays Sanctuary is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged property. Visitors enter at their own risk, and we are not responsible for any injuries sustained on the property.
Adoptions
We do not offer same-day adoptions unless you already have an approved application on file. Our adoption review procedure is a holistic process. We do not operate on a first-come-first-served basis. By expressing interest or applying for a specific animal, you are not guaranteed that animal.
Prohibited items & Activities
Firearms, drugs, and alcohol are not permitted on the premises. Running, roughhousing, or loud play is not allowed.