It's kitten season at the B.C. SPCA, and a free spay and neuter program is being offered in Kamloops in hopes of combatting the high numbers of unwanted cats.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/SPCA

KAMLOOPS - The B.C. SPCA is offering free spay and neuter procedures for cats in the North Shore and Brocklehurst neighbourhoods.

Charleen Holloway, director of animal services at the B.C. SPCA in Kamloops, says the program is much needed for the area.

“It’s a wonderful program and it will greatly impact the amount of stray animals that are out there and unwanted kittens because we definitely have more than enough,” she says.

B.C. SPCA received a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada of $80,000 to cover the cost of the procedure for 400 cats. The grant is in effect for all of 2019, but the B.C. SPCA has reached out to the community to expand its reach. Currently, Holloway says about 250 cats have had the procedure, which is ahead of their expectations.

Anyone who lives in the Brocklehurst or North Shore area can register their cat for the procedure. Owners can apply online and will be asked for proof of residence and identification. The cats don't need to be vaccinated, but they must be over 6 months old.

Holloway says there are many strays and unwanted kittens coming from the North Shore area. Although she couldn’t estimate the number of cats in the shelter, she says there are approximately 60 kittens in foster homes.

“The reason we focus on these areas is that statistically from the data that we've collected, those are the areas that we found most of the stray animals coming in,” says Holloway.

Four veterinary clinics have agreed to help with the project, including the Tranquille Road Animal Hospital, the Cat Hospital of Kamloops, the B.C. SPCA Spay Neuter Clinic and the Valleyview Veterinary Clinic.

According to Holloway, the procedure usually costs between $100 and $150, depending on the situation. She says the B.C. SCPA is asking for donations from those taking part, in hopes to continue a low-cost spay and neuter program once the grant is used up.

In addition to the procedure, the grant covers microchipping, any pain medication required, and the cost of parasite management. Holloway wants to ensure that anyone with an unneutered pet has the chance to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It is a great opportunity and we’re hoping we'll be able to have further funding next year… we’ll be applying for more funding, but we’re not sure or guaranteed that,” she says. “Right now, this is the best option for folks. Take advantage of it.”

Holloway says that transportation assistance is offered on the online application, but times may be limited due to volunteer availability.

Amy Giddens of Love Hard Kamloops is also offering transportation for anyone who finds themselves stuck.

“We’d hate to see a cat go without being spayed or neutered because the owner isn’t able to take them on a bus,” says Giddens. “So offering a ride for the owner and the animal, if that's what it takes to help get them in and get it done, we're into that.”

Giddens offers to stay with people during the procedure or offer a pick-up and drop-off option.

“If somebody has this all arranged and transportation is the issue, they can get a hold of me or (Love Hard Kamloops) and say when they’re supposed to be down there and I’ll book the whole time for them,” says Giddens.

You can register your cat here, and organize transportation through Love Hard Kamloops on Facebook or email info@lovehardkamloops.ca.

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