Press release — for immediate release
No-fee adoption at the Montreal SPCA this Sunday, July 14
Cages must be freed up to take in other animals in need of help
In collaboration with Mondou and Purina® Pro Plan®
Montreal, July 10, 2024 — A no-fee adoption event will take place at the Montreal SPCA this Sunday, July 14, 2024. Between June 29 and July 5 this year, the SPCA took in 153 companion animals, an average of over 20 per day. During that week alone, one quarter of surrenders were the result of a move. This comes on top of surrenders for other reasons, in particular the inability to afford veterinary care. To enable its little residents to find new homes quickly, the SPCA will waive adoption fees on Sunday July 14, on that day only.
A special welcome to families from Mondou and Purina® Pro Plan®!
Thanks to the involvement of Mondou and Purina® Pro Plan®, members of the public will be welcomed outside the shelter with activity tents for kids, water stations and a photo booth. Members of the public are invited to bring along friends and family, so as not to lose their place in the lineup!
The costs involved in caring for an animal
For an adoption to be successful, every family must budget for the costs involved in caring for the animal they plan to adopt. According to the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ), the average annual cost of having a cat is $2,400. Caring for a dog ranges between $2,700 and $3,400, while rabbits cost $1,500 every year on average. Normal expenses include food, of course, but also annual medical check-ups, vaccinations, parasite treatments, occasional dental care and other veterinary care in case of injury or illness, boarding during vacations, grooming, accessories and toys. There are also dog and cat licences, which are mandatory in some cities and towns.
Waiving adoption fees: A modern practice that’s proven effective
The goal of a no-fee adoption day is to create an event that will bring in as many families as possible and to introduce the Montreal SPCA to a new audience.
Some people may worry that waiving adoption fees attracts families who do not have the financial means to care for an animal or that it diminishes the worth of animals. However, recent studies have shown that these beliefs are unfounded. We have been keeping an eye on what’s being done elsewhere. For instance, in the United States, “no adoption fee” and “name your price” events have been very successful. The shelters organizing these special days did not see a resulting increase in animal returns. Rather, they observed an increase in adoptions!
It’s also important to know that the adoption process is the same: counsellors talk with interested families to ensure they will meet the desired animal’s needs or, if necessary, they suggest an animal who is better suited to the family lifestyle.
This coming July 14: come one, come all to the Montreal SPCA
A large number of cats (close to 40!), 17 dogs, 25 rabbits, over 20 small animals and 1 bird are waiting at the Montreal SPCA to be given a second chance. Our team is looking forward to meeting their future families!
- When: Sunday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Montreal SPCA, 5215 Jean-Talon West, Montreal. Steps away from Namur metro station.
- Families must provide a piece of identification and must bring along a carrier, or plan to buy one at the shelter’s boutique (except for dogs).
- All animals put up for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian. Dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, treated for parasites and given their first core vaccination. Dogs have also gotten their rabies shot. Rabbits are sterilized.
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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.
