This year Homeless Animals’ Day falls on August 15th and the people at the Cleveland Animal Protective League think it’s THE perfect day to make a difference in an animal’s life! It’s also a purr-fect opportunity to raise our community’s awareness about the wonderful cats who are waiting for homes at humane societies like the Cleveland APL.
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study & Survey, 34% of pet cats wandered into their families’ lives as strays and 43% of pet cats are acquired “free” from an acquaintance or family member. Only 18% of pet cats come from animal shelters or humane societies. Many people think why get a cat or kitten from a humane society when I can get a beloved pet for free from a neighbor or from under my porch? Well here’s why. At the Cleveland APL, every cat and kitten has been checked by a vet, spayed or neutered, given their initial vaccines, treated for fleas and worms, and tested for feline leukemia and feline HIV, all of which will save an adopter nearly $300 in future care! So, because we don’t think enough people know about the fantastic cats we have at the APL just waiting to find homes, for one day only, the Cleveland APL will match the price of the cat in your neighbor’s backyard. On August 15th, Homeless Animal Day, the adoption fee will be waived for all of our fabulous felines who are one year old and up! Cats and kittens under one year of age will be available for an adoption fee of $25.
“We felt this issue was so important, we were willing to do something dramatic to raise awareness – and this is dramatic as our average cost to care for a cat at the APL is over $200. We bring in hundreds of cats and kittens each week. We do not place any limits on how long they stay in our care. All healthy, friendly animals stay with us until we’ve found them a home, but we can only keep doing that if people adopt animals as fast as new animals come in. By adopting an animal, you not only help that life, but you help to save another. I just don’t think there’s a more fitting way to celebrate Homeless Animal Day!” said Cleveland APL Executive Director, Sharon Harvey.
All of our adopters will go home with a free bag of Science Diet, a gift from our friends at La Bodega (while supplies last), and will be able to purchase potentially lifesaving microchip identification for their feline for only $10. As always, all cats will also come with a collar and APL ID tag, a travel box, helpful species-specific animal care information, and a free initial veterinary exam.
