The Sunshine Coast SPCA is tackling the issue of cat overpopulation by partnering with a local veterinary hospital. Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital doctors Mark Dilday, Karene Gillespie and Paul Haugen are providing low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to cat owners by volunteering their time during non-clinic operation hours to offer feline sterilization surgeries at a discounted price for low-income residents.
“In the past few years, we have seen a huge increase in intact cats and unwanted litters coming into the shelter. Many people are unaware that kittens as young as six months can become pregnant,” said Christy King, relief animal care supervisor for the branch. “There is a significant need for a low-cost option for spays and neuters on the Sunshine Coast, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital.”
Since February 2015, the Sunshine Coast SPCA and Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital have worked together to spay and neuter, vaccinate and tattoo 21 cats from the community and are excited to expand the program, with the team at Eagle Ridge Veterinary Hospital graciously donating their facility, equipment, time, and skills.
The goal of this initiative is to remove the surgery cost barrier for people who want to fix their pets and reduce the number of unwanted cats in the community.
“Providing this service to our community is immeasurably rewarding for us and we feel lucky to work for a practice that supports our ideas,” says Darla Messner, the practice manager for the hospital.
Interested individuals can apply to fix their cat under this program at the Sunshine Coast SPCA. The $50 fee includes an exam, spay or neuter surgery, tattoo, a five-way feline combo vaccine and flea control treatment.
For more information about the program or to request assistance, call the Sunshine Coast SPCA, 604-740-0301 or visit in person at 4376 Solar Rd. in Wilson Creek.
