Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:53:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: laurie weiser
Subject: FYI: re:four adorable kittens
[picappgallerysingle id=”767983″]Just an FYI to folks or finders of stray animals that one plans to keep around and not take to the shelters. I truly believe that most people want to do the right thing but may not even know what programs are available to help with spaying/ neutering them so here is a list. If anyone knows of any other local programs please pass the information along.
For $20 you can purchase a voucher at the Chatham County Animal Shelter that includes the spay/ neuter and rabies vaccine.
For $20 you can purchase a voucher from Chatham Animal and Rescue (CARE, applications are on-line) that includes the spay/ neuter, rabies vaccine & distemper vaccine
If you make too much money to qualify for one of these voucher programs there are other low-cost options such as the mobile POP van and our own low-cost spay/ neuter week the 3rd FULL week of each month. Costs will vary depending on species and weight of animal between $70-130.
My point being that if you are kind enough to take on the responsibility of a stray pet by feeding and caring for them please try to go the extra mile and get them spayed and neutered. It will not only help the pet population but also prevent you from having to deal with more unwanted litters in the future. Also, not to be overlooked, if you are living amongst these critters it is critical you get that Rabies vaccine. Rabies is a REAL threat in Chatham county with last year a domestic cat, a fox, a skunk (and maybe even a bobcat?) testing positive. A donkey was found to be positive in Durham county just a few months ago.
Hence, my point being for $20, the cost of a few McDonalds meals, a night at the movies, or a couple packs of cigarettes these animals can get a bit of basic care.
If the cat is too feral/ wild to catch some of the rescues will lend live traps for these purposes.
Lastly, if that $20 is still out of budget please contact some local rescue organizations that may offer some free trap/ neuter/ release programs. All that will take is time, certainly less time than it will take to place the next litter of kittens or puppies.
I do not mean this as a judgment of the person trying to place this particular litter of kittens. But rather to pass along some information that many folks may not be aware of here in Chatham County.
Best of luck,
Dr. Laurie Weiser
Pittsboro Animal Hospital