All animals, except horses, at BC SPCA branches are available for adoption for half the regular fees than normal. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

FUREVER HOME

Local SPCA branches offering half-price adoptions

Sep 28, 2021 | 7:22 AM

NANAIMO — BC SPCA shelters across the province are hoping a reduction in adoption fees will help get more animals into forever homes.

Beginning Sept. 27 through Oct. 6, adoption fees for all animals, except horses, are cut in half in a bid to encourage those on the fence about making a commitment to a furry friend.

Lorie Chortyk, manager of communications for the BC SPCA, told NanaimoNewsNOW shelters across the province are at or nearing capacity.

“We’ve been doing a lot of large scale animal intakes from our cruelty investigations, so it often involves hoarding cases where large numbers are coming in at the same time so we’re finding our shelters are very full right now.”

Normally adoption fees for dogs at the Nanaimo & District branch range between $160 to $579. Cats usually range from $75 to $199 while other small animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs are $60 or less.

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On average, the fees are slightly less at the Parksville/Qualicum branch.

In addition to in-shelter care, the fees cover various assessments of the animal, the first round of core vaccinations, flea medications, a microchip implant, a free vet exam as well as some food to take home and six weeks of pet insurance.

Chortyk said cruelty investigations aren’t the only reason behind a shortage of space at most shelters.

“We’re just coming off what we refer to as kitten season because of the breeding cycle starting in late summer running into early fall, we have so many kittens in our care.”

Chortyk added the animals in care at the SPCA are there “through no fault of their own.” She said many are the result of owners who either couldn’t or wouldn’t care for them.

To view a complete listing of animals available for adoption, visit the BC SPCA website.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley