The cost of spaying and neutering pets is increasingly beyond the means of many pet owners and Sarnia’s Linda Cunningham says something must be done.
Too many animals suffer – especially after the pandemic – because owners don’t have the resources to fix their pets, says the Sarnia retiree and long-time humane society supporter.
“The shelter has hundreds of cats that aren’t neutered or spayed. And puppies are being left there with no one to adopt them,” said Cunningham.
Last week, she approached shelter manager Donna Pyette, intending to contribute to a fund to offset the cost of fixing the pets of local residents who don’t adopt from the humane society.
“But I found out nothing exists,” said Cunningham, who has two cats of her own and is moved to tears by the suffering of local animals. “I was really surprised, so I am starting something to help provide a way for people to get their pets spayed or neutered.”
She is calling it “Esther’s Voice Spay/Neuter Program,” naming it in memory of a little pig at a farm sanctuary that inspired compassion during her life.
Cunningham is kicking off the fund with a donation of $10,000, a very generous amount that will subsidize the neutering or spaying of 100 – 120 animals, says Pyette.
“That’s an incredible number and we’re hoping the fund will become permanent with continual donations to feed that pot,” she said.
By next week, the Sarnia & District Humane Society website will have donor information for the new Esther’s Voice Spay/Neuter Program. Within the month, the shelter will be ready to accept applications from pet owners. Only those who can prove financial need will be eligible, said Pyette.
The shelter already provides discounted spaying and neutering for the animals it adopts out.
Esther’s Voice is for pet owner in the community who already own a dog or cat – many of them adopted during Covid-19 lockdowns – but can’t afford the increasing cost to get them fixed.
Most vets in Sarnia-Lambton charge spay and neuter rates suggested by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association fee guide, said Pyette.
Spaying a female dog normally ranges from $840 - $1,079, depending on their size. Female cats cost about $750. Neutering male dogs ranges from $755 - $829 and $565 for male cats.
“The economy is in the toilet and many pet owners say they can’t afford that,” said Pyette. “We’re seeing litters of puppies coming in like I’ve never seen in my 12 years here.
“So many pets aren’t getting spayed or neutered. Even breeders are surrendering puppies because they can’t sell them. There’s just too many out there.”
As the program develops, Pyette and Cunningham say approved pet owners will only be charged a couple hundred dollars and the fund will absorb the balance. Surgeries will be done by participating veterinarians.
“My hope is that there are vets in our city who will discount the cost further,” said Cunningham. “It’s the right thing to do if someone can’t afford to fix their pet.”
She is a retired legal secretary who has financially supported the local shelter for years, donated blankets and towels for the animals and crochets countless cat mats.
“Linda is very driven,” said Pyette. “She’s always that person who wants to help and make things better.”
“I’m trying to make a difference,” Cunningham said. “I feel very strongly about pet owners being responsible. Our shelter does things very well but there’s no way it can do it all without our help.”
Applications to qualify for the Esther’s Voice Spay/Neuter Program will be available starting Feb. 10 online at www.sarniahumanesociety.com.