Efforts to keep Vernon’s pet population healthy are getting a financial boost.
The City of Vernon will provide $3,000 to the local SPCA shelter to care for stray and homeless animals.
“I am impressed with the work they have done,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, finance committee chairperson.
“They are looking after a great number of animals around the clock.”
In 2010, the branch cared for 875 animals.
While at the shelter, each animal receives a basic health check, behaviour assessment, medical care, rehabilitation if required, vaccinations, spay/neutering and tattooing.
The shelter also feeds and cares for the animals until they have been adopted.
“With vaccinations alone costing $9.50 per dog and $2.45 per cat, a grant of $3,000 from the city would help us provide vaccinations for 240 dogs and 294 cats and assist us in giving these animals a second chance for happiness,” says the SPCA’s grant application.
Nicol is confident taxpayers’ dollars are being used wisely.
“This money does not supplement staff. It’s purely for helping the animals themselves,” he said.
