719-395-2737
DONATE

Spay and Neuter Your Pets

by
February 06, 2017
in Uncategorized
No Comments
1575

With snow on the ground and pets sleeping in their cozy nooks or by the fireside, kitten season seems far off. Outdoor cats are not as noticeable this time of year. February is a time when animals conserve energy. It’s a time for sleeping in and staying sheltered. So, you might ask, why was February chosen to be Spay Neuter Awareness Month? It turns out, now, while the snow is still flying, is prime time for animals to get fixed. Unwanted litters, so often born in the warmer months, can be avoided altogether if we act now.

Last year, half of Ark-Valley Humane Society’s feline intake was made up of kittens. That is why we need your help. Luckily, through grant support, Ark-Valley Humane Society offers spay/neuter assistance for Chaffee County residents who otherwise could not afford to spay or neuter a pet. Information and an application for spay/neuter assistance can be found online here. AVHS also offers free spay or neuter for feral cats through the Trap/Neuter/Return program. It is actually a lot easier to humanely trap cats in the winter months. Food is less plentiful in winter so feral cats are more likely to enter a trap for food. Also, this time of year there is little risk of separating kittens from their mother since most kittens have not been born yet.   For feral cats that cannot safely be returned to their habitat, AVHS offers a barn home program that matches them with a willing caretaker.

Here are five ways you can help prevent unwanted litters today. 1. If you see stray or feral cats in your neighborhood call Ark-Valley Humane Society at 719-395-2737 for assistance. 2. If you have a cat or dog that is not spayed or neutered, visit our website to apply for financial assistance. 3. If your pets are already fixed, but you’d like to support this program, make a donation on our website. 4. Utilize our Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program to humanely trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate and return feral cats in Chaffee County at no cost to you. 5.If you have a barn or garage and could provide shelter, food and water to a feral cat please let us know.

By acting now, you are making a difference for the animals in our community.

 

By Amber van Leuken, AVHS Programs & Services Manager

Share

Recommended Posts