The BC SPCA is holding a special promotion featuring half-price adult cat adoption fees from July 18 to 31 in response to the overwhelming number of felines in care at its shelters.
Currently there are 743 adult cats being cared for at SPCA facilities across the province.
There are currently 25 cats and kittens in the Abbotsford shelter, as well as 30 in foster care and a waiting list of 25 to come into the facility.
“The BC SPCA takes in more than 15,000 homeless felines each year and right now our shelters are filled to capacity,” said Bob Busch, general manager of operations for the BC SPCA. “We always see an influx of animals at our shelters during the summer season and this year is no exception.”
He said the BC SPCA’s average cost to care for a cat during its stay is $784, much higher than the actual adoption fee.
Costs include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, an identification tattoo or microchip, preventive treatment for internal and external parasites, any medical care or rehabilitation required, daily welfare monitoring, sheltering and feeding.
While the goal of the promotion is to find loving homes for as many adult cats as possible, all the usual adoption criteria will apply.
“We want to make sure that the animals are a right fit for their new home and that their needs will be met,” Busch said.
The promotion also includes 50 per cent off rabbit adoption fees to help find homes for the 80 rabbits currently in BC SPCA care. Busch said the majority of these rabbits have each spent more than 100 days in shelters.
For more details on the cat adoption promotion, visit your local SPCA branch or go online to spca.bc.ca/halfpricelove. The Abbotsford shelter is located at 34312 Industrial Way.