On the fence about whether to adopt a cat? This month, there’s no excuse to hesitate any longer.
The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society is facing an overpopulation of cats, so it’s offering a discount on adoption fees throughout November.
All month, the society is holding a “Feline Frenzy,” and offering two kittens or cats for one adoption fee or a 30 percent discount on the adoption of a single cat.
“Adoption is really the most economical means to get a healthy cat or dog,” Tucker said. “Because when you take a pet home from here, ours come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and they even come with a certificate for a free future health exam.”
Having a large number of adoptable pets is nothing new for the society, said Executive Director Jill Tucker, but this year the society has seen an unprecedented spike in the number of requests by owners who can no longer care for their animals.
“We have a real situation here, and we’re trying to bring attention to it,” Tucker said. “We really want to be able to help those who can’t keep their cat, and it just kills us to have to say no. But as a no-kill shelter, we have quite a space limitation.”
Currently, the society is housing roughly 30 cats of all ages, with facilities to accommodate little more than 20.
So far, however, the promotion seems to be working. Tucker said the society has found homes for four cats since the month began—the entire number of cats placed in new homes in October.
Two local businesses are also doing what they can to help the county’s exploding homeless cat population. Camfeldt’s Flowers in Santa Maria and the Hitching Post Restaurant in Casmalia are both offering a $20 gift certificate redeemable at their businesses for every cat or dog adopted this month.
And in light of the animal overload, Tucker reminds locals that the society offers a low-cost spay and neuter clinic five days a week. To schedule an appointment or to view adoptable animals, call the society at 349-3435, drop by at 751 Black Road in Santa Maria, or check out SMVHS.org.
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This article appears in Nov 11-18, 2010.