Discounted Cat Spay/Neuter Surgeries

March 29, 2010 - To celebrate "The Year of the Cat," the Spartanburg Humane Society (SHS) will be offering discounts off already low prices for 2,010 cat and kitten spay and neuter surgeries at the SHS Veterinary Clinic.  Thanks to a generous grant from PetSmart Charities® in the amount of $71,000, all Spartanburg County residents will be able to have their feline spayed or neutered for $15. Income eligible cat owners will pay only $5. (Find out if you qualify)

"Spartanburg County has a significant problem with cat overpopulation.  The good news is that we can work together to solve it," President and CEO Sandy Christiansen said.  "The grant from PetSmart Charities is making it possible for the SHS to reduce our spay/neuter prices to all time lows.  We invite Spartanburg County cat lovers to join forces with us to decrease the growing number of unwanted kittens born each year."

While aggressive spay/neuter efforts in Spartanburg County have been successful in reducing the numbers of unwanted litters of puppies, the same is not true for unwanted litters of kittens.  "The SHS is asking everyone who shares their life with a cat - be it in their lap or on their back porch - to take advantage of this opportunity to stop the breeding cycle.  An increase in the number of spayed and neutered cats will help to begin to decrease the number of unwanted litters of kittens in the county," Christiansen said.

Competition for the national grant was significant.  The SHS proposal outlined Spartanburg County's need to improve circumstances for cats, as well as a compelling belief in the community's willingness to become part of the solution.

"The Spartanburg Humane Society's plan to spay and neuter 2,010 cats and kittens is a great example of taking the initiative to improve the local community," said Susana Della Maddalena, Executive Director of PetSmart Charities.  "Targeted programs like these are the key to successful, low-cost spay/neuter in local communities. Cumulatively, they are making a huge impact on pet overpopulation nationwide."

Spartanburg County residents who wish to have their cat spayed or neutered can schedule an appointment online or by calling the SHS Veterinary Clinic at 864.583.4805, ext.115.

BUT I DON'T HAVE A CAT:

We bet you know someone who does! Please spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who need to know about this opportunity. We encourage you to download a flyer and pass them out everywhere you go.

ABOUT THE YEAR OF THE CAT:

The discount on feline spay/neuter surgery is just one of many opportunities for cat lovers, planned for 2010.  The Spartanburg Humane Society has declared 2010 the Year of the Cat in order to reverse the fortune of felines in this community.  While kittens and cats are over-represented in the annual number of animals who are brought to the shelter, they are significantly under-represented in nearly all of the life saving services offered by the SHS, from spay/neuter to adoption.  During the yearlong celebration, community members will have many chances to partner with the SHS to take positive actions on behalf of cats.

ABOUT THE SPARTANBURG HUMANE SOCIETY:

The Spartanburg Humane Society is a 501(C)(3) organization whose mission is to provide quality care to lost and unwanted pets while raising community awareness about issues affecting companion animals.  In addition to providing shelter and care to thousands of animals in need each year, the SHS offers programs and services aimed at creating a safer and healthier community for pets and people.  These programs include low cost veterinary services, dynamic humane education programs, and effective dog training and pet behavior consultation.

ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES:

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.  The largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $88 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and through its in-store adoption program, helped save the lives of more than 4 million pets.  To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its Vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit http://www.petsmartcharities.org/ or call 1-800-423-PETS.