For the 5th year, Berkshire Humane Society has received a grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s (MAC) license plate program, which will support our 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.
“We are extremely grateful to be able to offer this important service once again,” said John Perreault, Executive Director for Berkshire Humane Society. “Not only are we helping 100 cats, we are helping 100 people and their families. 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.”
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 between December 4 and December 20, 2017. All cats and kittens will be dropped off at predesignated locations to be announced. Berkshire Humane Society 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
In the last four years, 100 Cats for Christmas has exceeded its goal of spaying and neutering 100 cats. “Our collaboration with our local veterinarians and MAC’s license plate program will help us end feline overpopulation and homelessness in the Berkshires,” said Perreault.
To help support low-cost spaying and neutering throughout Massachusetts, we encourage 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
The Berkshire Humane Society (berkshirehumane.org) 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.
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