Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia SPCA cuts cat adoption fees to ease kennel overcrowding

The Nova Scotia SPCA is currently at capacity for accepting new cats, so it's slashing adoption fees for the rest of the month in the hopes that people adopt some furry friends and allow it to open up some kennel space.

Summer is busiest time of year for the SPCA in part because it's breeding season for cats

Adoption fees are being reduced to as little as $50, down from the usual $160 fee. (Vadim Ghirda/Associated Press)

The Nova Scotia SPCA is currently at capacity for accepting new cats, so it's slashing adoption fees for the rest of the month in the hopes that people adopt some furry friends and allow it to open up some kennel space.

"We usually find ourselves inundated in the months of July, August and September," said Sandra Flemming, the SPCA's animal care director.

She says the group faces a double whammy at this time of season each year. Not only is it breeding season for cats, but there is a drop in demand for adoptions during the summer.

Usually, the SPCA charges $160 for an adoption, but it's cut the fee to $50 or $100, depending on how long the cat has been there.

"Every animal that's adopted from the Nova Scotia SPCA is spayed and neutered, vaccinated, de-wormed, flea treated and feline leukemia tested," said Flemming, adding the adoption fees are only a fraction of what it has cost for those services to be performed.

Fostering also an option

Cat lovers can also take part in the SPCA's fostering program. With this program, people temporarily take in cats and socialize them until they're ready for adoption. Most placements are for about three to four weeks, with all of the medical and food costs being incurred by the SPCA.

Flemming says the sale is for the rest of the month, but might continue into August if it hasn't led to a lot of adoptions.