NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY (EHS) REMINDS PET OWNERS TO SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS
THIS WORLD SPAY DAY
Programs such as EHS’ Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) help to
address pet overpopulation in the community.
EDMONTON, AB (February 26, 2019) – Today marks World Spay Day, and the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is using the opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.
“Beyond preventing a surprise, unwanted litter, there are medical and behavioural benefits to getting your pet spayed or neutered,” says Dr. Disa Boyd, shelter veterinarian at EHS. “The lifespan of pets that have been fixed is often longer, as spaying and neutering can prevent certain types of cancers and infections. It can also help to mitigate behaviour concerns, such as roaming and spraying urine.”
The cost of the surgery can be prohibitive for some pet owners however. This is why EHS launched their Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program in 2012, to provide low-income pet owners in Edmonton and area a low-cost option for getting their pets fixed. The program recently received a grant of $31,000 from PetSmart Charities of Canada to continue through 2019, and also receives funding through the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC).
“The Edmonton Humane Society’s PALS program is a leading example of how pet overpopulation can be addressed in a community, while providing accessible resources for those who may be underserved,” said Dani LaGiglia, regional relationship manager for PetSmart Charities of Canada. “We are proud to be able to assist EHS in providing this important service with this grant.”
In 2018, nearly 1,000 surgeries were completed through the PALS program, including 696 cats and 293 dogs. EHS is aiming to complete over 1,000 surgeries through the program in 2019, but says the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of homeless pets in need of shelters such as theirs.
“Spaying and neutering addresses the root cause of pet overpopulation,” added Dr. Boyd. “By encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing unwanted litters, we minimize the number of homeless animals that require rehoming and can focus our attention on those who are in distress and in need of urgent care.”
Pets that are fixed through the PALS program also receive a set of vaccinations and a microchip, to help prevent disease and increase the chance of being returned to their owner should they ever become lost. EHS also offers a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in the spring and summer months, to reduce the number of litters born to feral cats in rural areas surrounding Edmonton.
For those interested in learning more about the PALS or TNR programs, information can be found at edmontonhumanesociety.com.
About the Edmonton Humane Society
As a leader in the advancement of animal welfare, the Edmonton Humane Society enriches the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement. The charity has been serving animals in Edmonton and area for over 110 years.
About PetSmart Charities® of Canada
PetSmart® Charities of Canada is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across Canada, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps to find forever homes and families for more than 25,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to registered Canadian charities aligned with its mission under four key areas of support: Preventing Pet Homelessness; Helping Shelter Pets Thrive; Supporting the Bond Between People and Pets and Providing Emergency Relief and Disaster Support. Each year, more than 500,000 generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as a leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $14 million since its inception in 1999. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity, a member of Imagine Canada and is independent from the PetSmart business in Canada. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.ca
About the City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre
The City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that houses and cares for more than 6,000 lost pets found in the City each year. Our program staff, animal control officers and veterinary team work together to: promote and enforce responsible pet ownership; return lost pets to their owners; and ensure pets are a positive addition to the community.
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