15Montreal, March 16 2016 – The Montreal SPCA, the largest society for the protection of animals in Quebec and the Groupe vétérinaire AnimaPlus Inc., a leader in veterinary medicine in Quebec are pleased to announce the 6^th edition of the annual walk for the benefit of the Montreal SPCA. We are thrilled to unveil the very new look-and-feel of the AnimaPlus Snout & About, hit the pavement, stop animal cruelty, on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Mount Royal park.

For a third year in a row, AnimaPlus takes on the title sponsor of this annual event. The objective of the walk is to offer Montrealers a family activity with their loyal canine companion, and to raise funds to help the Montreal SPCA continue its mission for the animals. The goal this year is to raise $50 000 in the form of donations and sponsorships.

“The Montreal SPCA, AnimaPlus and the community share a common passion for the welfare of animals, which makes this a really exciting event,” said Nicholas Gilman, Executive Director of the Montreal SPCA. “We encourage fellow animal-lovers to register and participate at the walk to not only help the Montreal SPCA pursue its mission, but also to share their very own pets’ stories”, he adds.

According to Dr. Sarah A. Guénette, President, Chief Operating Officer and Medical Director of AnimaPlus Veterinary Group Inc., “the entire team is pleased to be once again the title sponsor of the AnimaPlus Snout & About, a perfect day to celebrate life with our dogs. Our devoted team will be onsite to provide advice and information, but also to actively participate in the fundraising activity.” Dr. Guenette further adds, “the love of animals is the fundamental essence of AnimaPlus. It is a core value of the entire team. It is important for us to help the Montreal SPCA, as its role is essential to the protection of animal welfare.”

On the agenda

Participants can now register for the Walk on the website, www.snoutandabout.ca, individually or in teams. They have three options: to set a fundraising goal which they can share with everyone, sponsor a person (or team), or donate directly, all while sharing their animal stories.

With or without a dog, you are all invited to participate in the AnimaPlus Snout & About and the various activities offered by the Montreal SPCA professionals and the veterinary AnimaPlus team.

• When: Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 10 am to 3 pm (rain or shine)
• Where: At the base of Mount Royal – intersection of Park Avenue and Côte-Sainte-Catherine.
• For more information, to register or to make a donation: www.snoutandabout.ca

The Montreal SPCA, founded in April 1869, was the first animal welfare organization in Canada. We have a long tradition of investigating abuses committed against animals, rescuing and adopting out hundreds of thousands of animals, and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Today we are the largest society for the protection of animals in Quebec. We welcome and care for more than 15 000 animals per year. Our veterinarians sterilize over 5 000 animals a year and provide care to animals brought to us injured or in need of assistance. We investigate thousands of cruelty cases and urge action against those who abuse animals. We fight every day to defend the interests of all animals, including livestock, pets and wildlife. For more information, please visit our website at www.spca.com.

The AnimaPlus Veterinary Group Inc.’s mission is to Love, Treat, and Heal animals. Founded in 2006, it now includes a team of over 130 employees in its 10 veterinary hospitals, including 20 veterinarian doctors. The AnimaPlus veterinarians provide the latest in cutting-edge medicine, focusing on pain prevention and respect for animal life, integrity. AnimaPlus is also deeply involved in organizations and pet shelters in addition to contributing to several initiatives that benefit SPCAs and SPAs. Its veterinary hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), is a testimony to AnimaPlus commitment to the highest standards of excellence in its field in North America. www.anima-plus.com

HIT THE PAVEMENT
Stop animal cruelty on June 12, 2016 and walk for the Montreal SPCA!
For more information: www.snoutandabout.ca

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Media contacts:

• Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com
• Maxime Sauvageau, Chef, Communication and Marketing, AnimaPlus Veterinary Group Inc., 438-985-4115, or msauvageau@anima-plus.com