Adopt-a-thon success 'unprecedented'

Adopting out 33 cats and 10 dogs in one day means the latest adopt-a-thon at Rainbow District Animal Control and Shelter Services was an “unprecedented success,” according to the shelter's owner.

The shelter's monthly adopt-a-thon was help Aug. 18. During these events, normal adoption fees are waived. Those adopting a new pet have to pay for a municipal licence, or to cover the cost of spaying or neutering the animal, if they aren't already fixed.

“These numbers exceeded the previous record of 32 animals adopted in one day set last August; however, there are still many more shelter pets in need of owners,” Richard Paquette said. “There are still 25 cats and seven dogs in the shelter already up for adoption and several more still serving out their redemption period.”

Paquette expressed gratitude to all the residents who continue to come rescue these pets.

“This summer, we have seen an unprecedented amount of cats coming through the shelter. In July, we took in 117 cats which was high, but as reported last week by Aug. 15, we have already taken in 137 cats.”

That means the shelter had already surpassed the busiest month on record, and the month was only half over at that time, he said.

Staff at the shelter are hoping that the budget option for a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic that will be presented as part of the city’s budget process this year is approved.

“Really, it is just a reallocation of funds currently spent on the current coupon program, which gives discounts to pet owners to spay or neuter their animals,” Paquette said. “The city currently allocates $56,000 a year; however, a spay/neuter clinic could cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 more than that. It is a program that has proven to work in other communities.”

These events, while held annually in the past and monthly this summer, have been so successful that the shelter staff has decided to make these a monthly event throughout the year, Paquette said.

The next adopt-a-thon is slated for Sept. 29.

For further information call 705-673-3647(DOGS). The animals available for adoption are listed on their website at www.gsshelter.ca.