Community Corner
Humane Society of Huron Valley Offers 'Beat the Heat' Spaying Promotion
The Ann Arbor animal shelter wants to help control the pet population by spaying cats before they go into spring heat.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) wants to encourage cat owners to "beat the heat" in 2012. The shelter is offering a special price to get a cat spayed in February to help keep unwanted kittens from being born in the spring heat cycle.
The HSHV has partnered with PetSmart Charities to offer Washtenaw County a special price on spaying cats in February. Regularly $75, the HVHS will spay a cat and give them a rabies vaccination (if needed) for $20. Pet owners will be responsible for the other vaccinations required before surgery, or they can obtain them from the HSHV for an additional $25.
Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population since unwanted animals will not be born. While some worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure is known to improve the health of the pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.
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“Many people don’t know that female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as four months old,” says Jenny Paillon, HSHV Director of Operations. “It’s our goal to bring female cats in before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our ‘Beat the Heat’ promotion is a fun way to educate the community and prevent unwanted litters.”
This special rate is even less than the organization’s normal low-cost and is available to all residents of Washtenaw County. Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Beat the Heat” promotion when they schedule their appointment. The promotion is based on availability and residents of Washtenaw County are encouraged to call now to schedule for February. Please visit www.hshv.org or call 1-888-474-8349 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
