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Cat adoptions boosted by SPCA discount

A special discount on cat and kitten adoptions has dramatically increased the number of animals that have found new homes through the Red Deer and District SPCA, says its executive director.

A special discount on cat and kitten adoptions has dramatically increased the number of animals that have found new homes through the Red Deer and District SPCA, says its executive director.

The SPCA launched its Home for the Holidays special shortly just before the Nov. 13 reopening of the cat rooms, which were closed for a month for disinfection and testing after ringworm was discovered in some of the animals during a routine cleansing and disinfection of the facilities.

During the period of the special, which continues until Sunday, Jan. 9, cat adoptions have been reduced to $100, including neuters or spays, microchipping, vaccinations, deworming and veterinary checkups. That’s a savings of between $200 and $500 over what an adoption would cost if all of those fees were paid individually, said executive director Julie McInnis.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the shelter had found new homes for 62 animals, including cats and dogs, from the day the cat room was reopened and the special announced, said McInnis. That compares with 37 adoptions during the same period last year, she said.

The special was created to help the SPCA recoup some of the $30,000 spent to conduct further testing and treat animals that were confirmed to have ringworm infections, said McInnis.

While some cats were carrying the infection, the infection was not found in any of the dogs.

The supply of animals available for adoption is always stronger than the demand, said McInnis.

However, the sale has made a tremendous impact in raising money and in finding homes for both cats and dogs, she said.