SPCA: too many creatures, not enough humans

Chopin and Mozart, brothers, born March 24, abandoned June 2 due to allergies

Rachel Lau

The SPCA’s foster program has been working hard to save the lives of animals for 20 years, but is currently experiencing a severe shortage of volunteer help. With facilities in Laval, Jean-Talon and the Plateau, there are hundreds of animals that need a home.

“Some animals are abandoned on the streets and our drivers pick them up and bring them to our shelters,” says SPCA worker Dominique Montreuil. “We have the best variety of animals here – young, elderly, male, female, lactating, pregnant, and cats with the flu, all in need of foster homes.”

The foster family’s job is to nurse the animal back to health. Sometimes that means giving medication or force-feeding cats to stop them from becoming anorexic. Though volunteers’ efforts are not always successful, Montreuil says that just having people care enough to try is a reward in itself.

Beige, 2½ years, found on street pregnant

Those who choose to take in a pregnant cat must care for her through pregnancy and labour. Afterwards, the kittens must be cared for until they are two pounds and eight weeks old.

“Fosters have the first choice to adopt,” Montreuil said. “Sometimes they form a bond with the pets and want to keep them.”

Foster care can last from two weeks to two months, depending on the condition of the animal and whether it returns to full health or not.

2 years old, abandoned June 13 due to allergies

“Some people adopt because they want the animal for the long term, but others travel or work, and they prefer to foster,” Montreuil said. “It’s a rewarding experience helping these animals.”

Those interested in fostering can fill out a form at the Montreal SPCA at 5215 Jean-Talon W. One bag of food, a cat or dog book and medication, if necessary, are provided.

Besides fostering and adopting, the SPCA is in acute need of volunteers as counsellors, drivers and officers.

Next issue features the new SPCA and how it’s changed.

Info: 514-735-2711 or spcamontreal.com