Adam Prudhomme
Editor
OSPCA Lennox and Addington is making it easier for cat owners to control the pet population with the return of the Neuter Scooter on March 20.
Available only through pre-registration, the program involves owners dropping their cats off to a central location in Napanee. The cats are then transported to Trenton Spay/Neuter Clinic for surgery and then returned to the same location at the end of the day for pick-up. The cost is $220 for female cats and $110 for males, plus $20 transport fee.
Registration can be done online at https://ontariospca.ca/neuter-scooter-registration-page/. Those that are successfully registered will be informed of the drop off location. Rabies vaccination and micro-chipping is also available during the surgery, for additional fees that can be discussed once booking is confirmed.
“The purpose of this pilot program that is being offered by the OSPCA Community Outreach Program is focused on reducing barriers to veterinary services and keeping people and their pets together by providing a shuttle service for up to 25 animals per transport to accessible, low cost spay and neuter clinics in neighbouring communities,” said Bonnie Bishop, east regional manager for community outreach services for Ontario SPCA. “We know that transportation is a barrier for people. We’re determined to remove as many barriers as possible to ensure greater access to spaying and neuter services to help reduce the pet over population issue.”
Peach Prudhomme recently did the responsible thing to help control the pet population and got spayed. Photo by Adam Prudhomme
The program launched earlier this year and has been held three times in Pembroke and once previously in Napanee. To date over 70 cats have been spayed or neutered through the program.
“The program has been very well received,” said Bishop. “People have been grateful for the opportunity to have their animals transported. We assist with the whole process of registering and signing up. It’s a pretty simplified process.”
Based on the early success of the program, Bishop says they have plans to expand the program and hold more Neuter Scooter events. Though the March 20 clinic is strictly for felines, the OSPCA hopes to have similar events for dogs in the near future.
-Napanee’s OSPCA will also be holding a community scavenger hunt on March 14.
Participants make a donation of $10 at the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre at 11 a.m. on March 14th to receive the first clue. Then, follow the clues around the Town of Napanee – hint: look in places that care for or support animals in various ways, such as places that work with or fundraise for animals.
Prizes for all participants can be collected at the Ontario SPCA Lennox and Addington Animal Centre by 3 p.m.
They will also be offering a grand prize for the first person to find all 10 clues. The winner must show all 10 clues to Ontario SPCA staff to collect their prize. They will contact everyone by phone once the grand prize has been claimed.
For more information visit https://ontariospca.ca/who-we-are/events/community-scavenger-hunt-napanee/. The OSPCA L&A Animal Centre is located at 156 Richmond Blvd.