The BC SPCA Community Animal Centre and Spay-Neuter Clinic in Kamloops is launching a low income spay/neuter pilot-program to address cat overpopulation in the city.

“The BC SPCA Community Animal Centre in Kamloops has been seeing the highest intake of cats and kittens amongst the BC SPCA locations for the past several years,” says Ashley Fontaine, community engagement manager, who adds that a significant percentage of cats coming into care are under a year old.

The BC SPCA undertook a community assessment in 2019 on how to best address the issue of cat overpopulation. As a result, a multi-faceted approach has been developed, including education, community engagement and increased spaying and neutering for both owned and unowned cats.

Vulnerable pet guardians often have challenges in accessing the care they need for their pets, including spay neuter services, which is why programs like this one play a crucial role in the health of pets living in the community and preventing unwanted litters.

“The cost of spaying and neutering procedures can be a barrier for some pet guardians,” says Fontaine. “This program will assist families with the costs of a spay or neuter procedure is a barrier so they can do what is best for their cat.”

The BC SPCA Kamloops Spay Neuter Clinic will be prioritizing appointments for this program over the coming months to ensure they can meet the needs from the community.

In addition to receiving a free spay/neuter surgery, cats will receive primary vaccines and be microchipped. Cat guardians will receive a one-year registration to the BC Pet Registry. The Registry lists contact information for all microchipped pets, which can be used to reunite lost pets with their guardians. Interested pet guardians living in Kamloops and who are considered low income can call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722, option 6, or fill in an application online.