Sonoma County shelters and veterinarians to fix 400 cats for free on February 20 to prevent unwanted litters
(SANTA ROSA, CALIF., February 2, 2010) - The Sonoma County Animal Network (Sonoma CAN), a collaboration of all seven animal shelters in Sonoma County, is gearing up for a countywide spay/neuter day to fix more than 400 cats belonging to low-income residents. Fixin' Felines for Free will take place Saturday, February 20, and is being conducted in cooperation with area veterinarians volunteering their time to help prevent unwanted litters of kittens. Pre-registration is required by calling (707) 586-6651. The surgeries will take place at participating veterinary hospitals and clinics and space is limited.
"We are hoping to reach cat owners who have not been able to afford to alter their cats," said Susan Simons, animal welfare consultant and coordinator of this event. "By having their cats spayed or neutered, these owners have a chance to become responsible pet owners and help lower the number of homeless cats in the shelters."
Reducing the number of animals that end up in animal shelters reduces both euthanasia and also the amount of funding that the county and cities must expend on housing and caring for stray and unwanted animals. At a time when shelter budgets are being cut and families are giving up their pets because they can't afford to care for them, decreasing the number of kittens being born is especially important. In just seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce as many as 420,000 kittens. There can never be enough homes when animals are allowed to reproduce at that rate.
"This event is about prevention," said Jennifer Kirchner, executive director of Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County. "Preventing litters from being born will help prevent the euthanasia of healthy cats in shelters - and it will also help reduce taxpayer costs."
Spayed or neutered cats are healthier, live longer lives and are less likely to roam or fight. They are also less likely to spray or urinate outside their litterbox. All participating cats must be healthy, tame, and at least eight weeks of age or two pounds in weight.
Major funding for Fixin' Felines for Free has been provided by the Salatko Animal Welfare Fund of Community Foundation Sonoma County. Thanks to VIP Petcare Services, free vaccines and microchips will be provided with each spay and neuter surgery. Grapevine Trading Company is also co-sponsoring this event.
Participating shelters include Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, Healdsburg Animal Shelter, Petaluma Animal Services, Pets Lifeline, Rohnert Park Animal Shelter, Sonoma County Animal Care & Control, and the Sonoma Humane Society.
Advance registration is required by calling (707) 586-6651.
About the Sonoma County Animal Network
Sonoma CAN is a collaboration of shelters and rescue organizations working to enhance the lives of all animals in Sonoma County. Through cooperation, education and innovation, Sonoma CAN strives to ensure responsible, lifelong homes for all companion animals.
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Stray Cat Clinic