Vets helping pet overpopulation
We recently visited a new vet who is much closer to our home to pick up some needed supplies and make an appointment to have our young males neutered. While there, we discovered that they keep several large cages of kittens. These kittens were from litters by local feral females. There are several individuals in our community who find these young wild families, trap the mothers (who are then spayed), and begin the work of socializing the young kittens, while treating them for the parasites, skin conditions, etc. that commonly plague these kittens who are uncared-for except for what their mothers (usually very young and unhealthy cats themselves) are able to provide for them.
When the kittens are brought to the clinic, they are further socialized, and taken home by employees to learn “house manners.” When they are in good health and friendly, the clinic offers them for adoption. The very nominal adoption fee of $30 covers any medication the kitten may still require, further boarding and treatment until it is ready to be discharged, if any is required, as well as all vaccinations (including rabies) and spaying or neutering. All vet care necessary for the first year is included for this low $30 fee.
Normally, these services would be worth several hundred dollars, depending upon the animal’s sex and condition. We were touched and surprised that a local professional and his employees are doing so much to help with the pet overpopulation in the community and find the animals good homes and help ensure their ongoing health at the same time.
The next time you are looking to add a pet to your family, call around to area vets and see if anyone is doing a community service of this type in your area. Support these businesses, and give a pet a good home.
