Press release — for immediate release
No-fee adoption at the Montreal SPCA this Monday, October 14
A great many animals are waiting for their families
In collaboration with Mondou and Purina® Pro Plan®
Montreal, October 9, 2024 — The Montreal SPCA is inviting the public to its last no-fee adoption event of the year, to be held this Monday, October 14. Although our peak season is drawing to a close, the impact of this year’s many animal surrenders is still being felt at the shelter, which took in more than 6,200 animals of various species during the first six months of 2024. It’s been a busy year for the Montreal SPCA, but its 200 employees and 225 volunteers are working hard to help animals in need.
“There seems to be no end to this crisis, for the simple reason that its causes have still not been resolved,” laments Laurence Massé, Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA. “It is still hard to find a place to rent if you live with an animal, especially a dog, and access to veterinary care is difficult for the families most affected by the rising cost of living.”
Cancelling adoption fees: a modern practice proven to be effective
Some people may worry that waiving adoption fees could attract families who do not have the financial means to adopt an animal, or that it diminishes the perceived value of animals. However, recent studies have shown that these beliefs are false.
The adoption procedure remains the same: adoption counsellors talk to families to make sure they meet the requirements of the animal they wish to adopt, or to suggest an animal better suited to their lifestyle if necessary.
The Montreal SPCA also keeps up to date on the latest best practices in shelter medicine and has found that, despite what critics think, a no-fee adoption is no more likely to fail than a standard adoption. “At the Montreal SCPA, we are guided by a non-judgemental policy,” explains Ms Massé. “If a family realizes, after adopting an animal and having followed our advice, that the animal is not a good fit for their new home, we welcome him or her back and we talk with the family to try to find a better match for them and for the animal.”
The cost of caring for an animal
For an adoption to be successful, families must first budget for the costs involved in caring for the animal they intend to adopt. According to the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ), the average annual cost of caring for a cat is $2,400; for a dog, it ranges from $2,700 to $3,400; for a rabbit, it runs to an average of $1,500.
This coming October 14: Come and see us at the Montreal SPCA
A great many cats (more than 70!), 18 dogs, 9 rabbits, over 20 small animals and around 15 birds are waiting for a second chance at the Montreal SPCA. The team can’t wait to welcome their future families!
- When: Monday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Montreal SPCA, 5215 Jean-Talon Street West, Montreal, a stone’s throw from the Namur metro station.
- The event will be held rain or shine, and members of the public should be prepared for a long wait (come equipped with water, snacks, rainwear, a folding chair, etc.).
- Families must bring identification and a secure, suitable carrier, or a leash if adopting a dog.
- All animals put up for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian. Dogs and cats have been sterilized, microchipped, treated for parasites and given their first basic vaccination; additionally, dogs are given a first rabies vaccination. Rabbits are also sterilized.
- Families should be aware that there is no guarantee they will find their new companion at the adoption event. It is best not to make promises to children, to avoid possible disappointment. The Montreal SPCA is asking the public to be understanding and patient. After all, finding a soul mate can’t be rushed!
- The shelter has enough volunteers for this adoption day. Anyone wishing to help the SPCA is warmly invited to visit its website to discover other ways of contributing to its mission.
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Source: Montreal SPCA
Media information:
Tök communications 514-247-0526
Marie-Hélène Avon, mariehelene@tokcommunications.ca
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now better known as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since its beginnings and is today the largest animal-protection organization in Québec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.
