Starting at 5:30 a.m., hundreds of people from across Quebec brought their beach chairs and lunch to line up at the Montreal SPCA on Sunday. The organization was holding a free adoption day after seeing an increase in abandonments.
“We are calling on the community because the shelter is full to bursting. We have animals in the offices and we have foldable cages installed in our kennels,” noted the general director of the Montreal SPCA, Laurence Massé.
Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, mice: more than 200 animals were ready to be adopted Sunday at the SPCA. At least half will leave with a family before 6 p.m., according to the organization.
Despite the predicted heat, Marc Filiatrault was the first in line in front of the SPCA at 5:30 a.m. He patiently waited until it opened to help a friend, Anne Fournier, who had come from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu to adopt two cats.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Anne Fournier and Marc Filiatrault
“The fact that it was free was a big incentive for me to come and get them,” Ms.me Fournier, who already had a cat at home.
The costs associated with adopting an animal range from about $15 for a small animal to $500 for a puppy. According to the SPCA, no-fee adoptions are not associated with more abandonments, according to several studies.
Housing crisis and inflation
The day is a tradition that comes back year after year at the SPCA in the weeks following the 1er July. A critical date for abandoning animals, because the issue is exacerbated by the moving season.
From June 29 to July 5, in just 7 days, more than 150 pets were welcomed to the Montreal SPCA,” explained Mr.me Mass.
Laurence Massé, general director of the Montreal SPCA
While a quarter of these abandonments are associated with moving, other reasons, such as the inability to pay for adequate veterinary care, explain them.
“This year, we received 166 more dogs than last year in the first four months of the year. We think this is due to the higher costs associated with it, but also to the more restrictive measures in housing,” said the organization’s director.
In the queue
All the animals offered for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian and have already received the necessary treatments for the adoption to go smoothly, assured the SPCA: news that pleased the adopters on site.
“I thought I had a responsibility to get vaccinated [mon chat]but no, so it’s even better!” exclaimed Cynthia Riel-Herbet, who had been waiting in line for almost two hours.
Mme Riel-Herbet took advantage of the wait to meet Kim De Bellefeuille and her partner, Étienne Ouellet, who were waiting just behind her. All three of them shared the desire to adopt a cat after grieving the loss of their previous pet.
“We saw the SPCA announcement on social media, and that convinced us,” said Mr.me From Bellefeuille.
Due to a record number of visitors last year, the SPCA was forced to rethink the public’s wait outside this year.
Children’s entertainment tents, watering holes, a photo booth and kiosks offering various pet products have been set up to enhance the adoption experience, which can take about an hour.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Laurence Massé, general director of the Montreal SPCA
Just because we’re waiving the fees doesn’t mean we’re waiving the process. We take the time with each adopter.
Laurence Massé, general director of the Montreal SPCA
The organization, happy with the enthusiasm generated by the event, nevertheless stated that a second wave of abandonments often occurs during the summer, because many people realize that they can no longer take care of their animal a few weeks after their move.
Between January and April 2024, the number of animals entrusted to the Montreal SPCA jumped by 21% compared to the same period in 2023.