A new program provides financial assistance to Clearview Township residents to spay or neuter their cats.
Clearview Cats is a program implemented to address cat overpopulation within the Clearview Township. A partnership between the township and the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS), the program will allow cat owners to apply for assistance in spaying or neutering their cats.
In November, Clearview council agreed to contribute $3,000 to kick-start the program. Similar programs exist in Collingwood, Meaford and Wasaga Beach, with the objective, said the GTHS, to develop strong community relationships while promoting responsible pet ownership.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be a resident of the Township of Clearview
The family annual household income must be no greater than the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut ($18,246 for one-person family and $22,714 for a two-person income family).
They should have the ability to contribute $75 towards the cost of the surgery. GTHS reserves the right to makes exceptions based on situation, status and urgency.
Elligible cats are older than five months old and younger than seven years, are healthy (do not have signs such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny noses or skin conditions) are not noticeably pregnant and are owned by a resident of the township.
For the health of the animals, GTHS recommends that they are vaccinated at least two weeks prior to surgery. Any complications that arise post-op will not be covered in this program. Applications are available online on the GTHS website.
Application forms are available at the GTHS Animal Shelter, located at 549 Tenth Line in Collingwood and, at the Township of Clearview offices. Applicants must have a vet that is willing to work with them for this program. Abernant Veterinary Services in Stayner is the program participant in Clearview.
Completed applications are to be submitted to GTHS via mail or in person and all applicants must complete an interview, by phone or in person, with a GTHS representative.
Applicants will be notified once they have been approved for the program, which will be done on a case-by-case basis.
Once approved, applicants will join a waiting list if necessary.
Only a certain number of applicants will be approved each month. They will be notified to pick-up their Approved Clearview Cats Package (at the GTHS Animal Shelter) complete with pre and post operative care information, approved certificate, and educational materials. Payment will be received at the time the approved package is picked-up. The applicant will present this package to the veterinary clinic in which they book their appointment.
Surgery must be completed within 30 days.
A signed waiver, copy of application and copy of receipt of payment will be filed at the GTHS Animal Shelter.
For more information contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society at 705-445-5204 ext. 221. The Clearview Cats application is online at www.gths.ca. A full list of participating vets is also listed on the website.