Residents looking to add a new member to their family have an opportunity to meet adoptable pets this week in Burlington. Best Cat, Ontario’s first cat-only retail store, is hosting an adoption drive on April 7, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at its location at 3455 Fairview St.
The event is held in partnership with Neveah’s Charity of West Lincoln Cat Rescue. The rescue organization brings cats from overcrowded shelters and high-kill facilities to the store, which is situated in the same plaza as Cora Breakfast and Lunch and Service Ontario. Since the store opened in December 2022, the partnership has helped facilitate the adoption of over 600 cats and kittens.
This initiative arrives as animal rescues across the province face a significant increase in demand for their services. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recently reported a 17 per cent rise in surrender requests from 2024 to 2025. This surge is attributed to a variety of factors, including the long-term economic effects of COVID-19, rising inflation, and higher costs for veterinary care.
Best Cat is co-owned by siblings Kyle and Meagan Daigle, who opened the shop after working in the pet retail industry. The store has previously assisted with high-pressure rescue situations, including helping to socialize and find homes for 58 cats taken from a single hoarding apartment. To support these animals, co-owner Meagan Daigle encourages new adopters to be patient as the cats adjust to their new surroundings.
Prospective adopters should prepare for a transition period of two to four weeks and are advised to set up a dedicated room for the cat to decompress upon arrival. Those interested in adopting must complete an application form, which is followed by an approval process that typically takes one to seven days before a meet and greet can be arranged.
