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For anyone who is looking to welcome a new cat or dog into their home, now is an excellent time. The Rockbridge SPCA continues to be filled to capacity with cats and dogs and would love for anyone seeking a new pet to stop by the shelter and visit with the animals. An in-person encounter is the best way to find the right fit.
Tara Rodi, executive director of the Rockbridge SPCA, said the shelter has taken in 324 cats this year, compared to 292 at the same time last year. To help with the growing number of cats, she encourages everyone to spay and neuter their cats.
The Rockbridge SPCA provides a low-cost spay and neuter transport on the last Tuesday of every month. The cost for a friendly household cat is $100, which includes transport, surgery, pain medication, nail trim, ear cleaning and a rabies shot. Feral cats, which must be in a have-a-heart trap, are $55 and that includes the transport, surgery, pain medicine injection, rabies shot and ear tip.
Rodi encourages everyone to not feed stray cats that come onto their property. Those taking care of a colony need to make sure no other animals, including other cats, are eating the food. The food should be set out and taken in at the same time every day, so only the colony cats are wise to the feeding time. She says to keep your cat and other pet food out of the reach of other animals and cats.
She advises people to keep barns and outside buildings closed and to use trash cans with a lid. “If you see unweaned kittens that are thriving, Mom is still around, even if you don’t see her,” said Rodi. “Wait until kittens are 6 weeks old to bring them to the shelter.” She pointed out that a Feral for Farmers program has been established. Anyone who wants a barn cat that is spayed or neutered, with a rabies shot and ear tipped, free of charge, can contact Karen Beard at (540) 463512 or manager@rockridgespca. net.
Rodi said she also wants to bring attention to the overabundance of dogs that are available for adoption. Because the shelter is completely full, those wanting to surrender a dog are being placed on a waiting list. “The dogs are just sitting here. Although we have had some adopted and sent to rescues, we have one dog here named Buckshot who has been at the shelter since [June 17 of last year]. He is a big loveable goofy bluetick hound, 3-to-4-years-old.” Already neutered, Buckshot is fully vaccinated and can be adopted for a fee of just $25.
To see the cats and dogs currently available for adoption, visit the Rockbridge SPCA website at https://rockbridgespca. net. Adoption applications can be accessed on the website. In-person visits are strongly encouraged. The shelter is located at 10 Animal Place, off of Greenhouse Road, across from the recycling center. The phone number is (540) 463-5123.
These cats and dogs are in need of a forever home. Having a pet can enhance one’s life. Now is the best time to welcome one of these pets into your home.
