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Love doesn’t cost a thing and for this weekend, neither do cats.
During the first-ever Empty Our Shelters adoption event, Saskatchewan animal shelters are teaming up to find homes for more than 400 animals province-wide.
“Unfortunately, cat overpopulation is an issue we’re seeing across Saskatchewan, as well as across Canada,” said Cathy Brin, public relations coordinator with the Saskatoon SPCA.
“So many humane societies and SPCAs are just in a horrible spot with cats right now, so we are running this adoption drive where all (adult) cats are free to a loving home.”
The Regina Humane Society and Saskatoon SPCA are among the shelters taking part in the event running through Aug. 21.
All adult cat adoption fees are waived, while kitten adoption fees are reduced to $50 in Regina, and $75 in Saskatoon.
Regina is also offering a reduced dog adoption fee of $80.
Cats and kittens comprise the highest number of incoming animals during the summer months when populations swell following spring births and more pets, allowed outdoors, stray or roam freely.
A milder winter in early 2016 compounded the issue: the Saskatoon SPCA said this summer it had 75 kittens in foster care at one time – a record high for the program.
“When you’re donating to the shelter, you’re often donating to the little guys. To the little tiny baby kittens who need that little extra time out in foster care,” she said, adding this weekend’s event also serves to promote awareness for spaying and neutering pets.
“We hear a lot that people don’t spay or neuter because they have indoor cats, but unfortunately all it takes is one trip outside to make a litter of kittens.”
All regular guidelines are still in place for adoptions, to ensure animals find the right fit in a loving home.
It happened for 22-year-old Stephanie Gresiuk, who heard of the province-wide drive and decided to look for her new furry friend at the Saskatoon SPCA.
“I wanted a cuddly cat, somebody who would just hang out with me when I got home from work,” she said.
Gresiuk met her match Friday, when her adoption application for one-year-old Nugget was approved.
“He’s nice and chubby and cute and you know, heavy, which is ideal,” Gresiuk said.
All Regina Humane Society and Saskatoon SPCA adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchip, complimentary veterinary exam and 30 days pet insurance.