“There seems to be no end to this crisis.” The SPCA took in more than 6,200 animals during the first six months of 2024.
The Montreal SPCA will have its final no-fee adoption day of 2024 on Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its Jean Talon St. W. location, near the Namur métro station. More than 70 cats, 18 dogs, nine rabbits, about 20 small animals and 15 birds will be available for adoption.
All have been examined by a veterinarian, the SPCA said in a press release. Dogs and cats have been sterilized, microchipped, treated for parasites and given their first basic vaccination. Additionally, dogs are given a first rabies vaccination. Rabbits are also sterilized.
For a successful adoption, families must budget for the costs involved in caring for the animal they want to adopt, the SPCA said. The Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec sets the average annual cost of caring for a cat at $2,400, from $2,700 to $3,400 for a dog and about $1,500 for a rabbit.
Some worry waiving adoption fees could attract families without the financial means to adopt an animal, but recent studies have shown this is not the case, the SPCA said. A no-fee adoption is no more likely to fail than a standard adoption.
“If a family realizes, after adopting an animal and having followed our advice, that the animal is not a good fit for their new home, we welcome him or her back and we talk with the family to try to find a better match for them and for the animal,” Massé said.
The adoption procedure is the same as at other times: Adoption counsellors meet families to make sure they meet the requirements of the animal they want to adopt or to suggest an animal better suited to their lifestyle.
The no-fee adoption event will be held rain or shine at the Montreal SPCA, 5215 Jean Talon St. W. People are advised to arrive equipped with water, snacks, a folding chair and rainwear. Identification is needed, along with a secure carrier and, if a dog is being adopted, a leash. They should also be prepared for a long wait.
There is no guarantee families will find their new companion at Monday’s event, the SPCA said, and it’s best not to make promises to children.