With animal surrenders peaking after the moving season in Quebec, the Montreal SPCA is hosting a no-fee adoption event on Sunday.
“Between June 29 and July 5, the SPCA took in 153 companion animals, an average of over 20 per day,” writes the SPCA on its website. “During that week alone, one quarter of surrenders were the result of a move. This comes on top of surrenders for other reasons, in particular the inability to afford veterinary care. To enable its little residents to find new homes quickly, the SPCA will waive adoption fees on Sunday July 14, on that day only.”
People must provide a piece of identification and must bring along a carrier, or plan to buy one at the shelter’s boutique (except for dogs).
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Montreal SPCA: 5215 Jean-Talon West.
“The goal of a no-fee adoption day is to create an event that will bring in as many families as possible and to introduce the Montreal SPCA to a new audience.”
The public is welcome outside the shelter with activity tents for kids, water stations and a photo booth.
The adoption fees are waived for a single day, and the adoption process remains unchanged. Counsellors engage with prospective families to ensure they can meet the specific needs of their desired animal. If necessary, they may recommend an animal that better fits the family’s lifestyle.
“All animals put up for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian. Dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, treated for parasites and given their first core vaccination. Dogs have also gotten their rabies shot. Rabbits are sterilized,” said the SPCA.
Nearly 40 cats, 17 dogs, 25 rabbits, over 20 small animals and 1 bird are waiting at the Montreal SPCA to be given a second chance.
The costs involved in caring for an animal
For an adoption to be successful, every family must budget for the costs involved in caring for the animal they plan to adopt.
According to the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ), the average annual cost of having a cat is $2,400. Caring for a dog ranges between $2,700 and $3,400, while rabbits cost $1,500 every year on average.
“Normal expenses include food, of course, but also annual medical check-ups, vaccinations, parasite treatments, occasional dental care and other veterinary care in case of injury or illness, boarding during vacations, grooming, accessories and toys. There are also dog and cat licenses, which are mandatory in some cities and towns,” writes the SPCA.