After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, Berkshire Humane Society has for the eighth year received a grant from Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s license plate program, which will support the shelter’s 100 Cats for Christmas low cost spay and neuter initiative. Residents of Berkshire County can get their cat spayed or neutered for a $50 registration fee, which includes surgery and a rabies vaccination. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. For requirements and registration, call Berkshire Humane Society at (413) 447-7878 x.124 or visit the main shelter at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield.
Appointments will be scheduled for December and January. All cats and kittens will be dropped off in the morning at a date and place designated by Berkshire Humane Society. Shelter 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 name of the pet and the owner.
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 areas. Without the support of the license plate program, this invaluable service would not be possible. “With scheduling veterinary appointments difficult during the pandemic, we want to get back on track with our low-cost spay and neuter program for cats,” said John Perreault, Executive Director for Berkshire Humane Society. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Massachusetts Animal Coalition so we can work with local vets to provide this affordable service to cat lovers. Spaying and neutering your pet benefits their health and wellbeing, and prevents accidental litters and strays, helping control overpopulation and disease. We see this program as a valuable part of our mission here at Berkshire Humane Society.”
This year’s participating veterinary facilities include: Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital, Greylock Animal Hospital, North County Veterinary Hospital, Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, Lenox Cat Hospital, South Street Veterinary Services, Valley Veterinary Services, Hilltowns Veterinary Clinic and Bilmar Veterinary Services.
To help support low-cost spaying and neutering throughout Massachusetts, Berkshire Humane Society encourages all community members to buy 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 Berkshire Humane Society’s Feline Department at (413) 447-7878, x. 124.