BHS Offers 6th Annual 100 Cats for Christmas
For the 6th year, Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) has received a grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s (MAC) license plate program, which will support BHS’s 100 Cats for Christmas initiative during the month of December. 100 Cats for Christmas is the shelter’s largest and most successful low-cost spay/neuter effort for kittens and cats in the Berkshires and surrounding area. Without the support of MAC’s license plate program, this invaluable service would not be possible.
“Money is tight for a lot of people. We want to help the people in our community just as much as we want to help pets,” said John Perreault, Executive Director for BHS. “We value our partnership with MAC – that grant allows us to work with local vets to provide this service. Spaying and neutering your pet benefits its health and wellbeing, and it prevents accidental litters and strays, which helps control overpopulation and disease. We see this program as a very valuable part of our mission here at Berkshire Humane Society.”
In the last six years, 100 Cats for Christmas has exceeded its goal of spaying and neutering 100 cats.
To participate, qualifying residents of Berkshire County must visit one of three locations in person to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable $25 fee, which covers the surgery and a rabies vaccination. Visit the main shelter at 214 Barker Road, Purradise in Great Barrington, or Bark ‘n’ Cat in North Adams. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call (413) 447-7878 x.124 for qualification requirements and additional information.
Appointments will be scheduled during the month of December. All cats and kittens will be dropped off at predesignated locations to be announced. BHS staff and volunteers will transport the felines to participating veterinarians, and will return them for owner pick-up in the afternoon. All cats must be in secure carriers with proper identification including the owner’s and cat’s name.
This year’s participating veterinarians include: Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital, Greylock Animal Hospital, North County Veterinary Hospital, Bilmar Veterinary Services, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, South Street Veterinary Services, and Valley Veterinary Services
To help support low-cost spaying and neutering throughout Massachusetts, BHS encourages all community members to purchase an “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate. The tax-deductible plates are available at local Registries of Motor Vehicles or at www.petplate.org.
For more information about 100 Cats for Christmas, contact the feline department at (413) 447-7878, x. 124.
ABOUT THE BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY
Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is a private, nonprofit, open-admission animal support organization with a twofold mission: to ensure the compassionate care, treatment, and whenever possible, placement of homeless animals through the shelter operation; and to promote and improve the welfare of all animals through community education and outreach. As a private non-profit, BHS is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) or any other animal welfare group, and receives no public funds from local, state, or federal sources. The welfare of companion animals and the future of BHS depend entirely on the compassion and generosity of the community.
Since its beginning, BHS has sheltered more than 50,000 homeless animals who are cared for and made available for adoption. In 2017, BHS took in about 1,264 homeless animals, which represents a continuing decrease in numbers from past years. BHS believes that its expanding low-cost spay/neuter programs, community pet food pantry, and other lifesaving programs, have gone a long way to help keep pets in their homes and reduce pet overpopulation. BHS is also proud to place 100% of all adoptable dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals into new, responsible homes.
Although BHS is primarily known as a place to surrender pets and adopt a new family member, these are only a few of the services provided to the community. BHS has developed into a valuable resource that provides a variety of programs for people as well as animals. Learn more at BerkshireHumane.org.
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