SPAY AND NEUTER Program
SHAID Tree Animal Shelter offers a rebate for low-income residents of Lunenburg or Queens County needing assistance with spaying or neutering their cats or dogs. (Limit of 2 pets per household) Spaying and neutering pets is crucial for controlling the pet population and reducing the number of homeless animals. It can also prevent certain health issues and behaviors, leading to happier owners and healthier pets!
For assistance for spaying or neutering your pet(s), fill out the application below and send it to info@shaidanimalshelter.com with proof of income.
We will contact you within one to two weeks if you are approved or not. Upon approval, you may book your spay/neuter appointment at the vet clinic of your choice. Once the surgery is complete, send a copy of the invoice to info@shaidanimalshelter.com and we will e-transfer the rebate within 5 business days.
Please note: Your application will not be approved if the procedure has already been completed.
pet pantry
If you're in need of pet food or supplies for your pets, strays or ferals, we may be able to help!
SHAID has a community pantry of donated food and supplies of all kinds - treats, grooming tools, shampoos & cleaners. We try to keep it stocked with a variety of foods for community members in need.
Visit the shelter to see what's available from 11-3 Tuesday to Saturday
If you have specific needs, or questions, please email info@shaidanimalshelter.com
trap-neuter-return
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane method used to manage and reduce the population of feral cat colonies. Feral cats cannot be touched, handled or picked up. They are not friendly with people and will run away if approached. If the cat(s) are semi-friendly, they can be socialized and rehomed through the shelter. TNR helps stabilize feral cat populations without culling, reduces nuisance behaviors associated with intact cats, and improves the overall welfare of both the cats and the communities they inhabit. It involves trapping feral cats, sterilizing them, and then returning them to their original location. SHAID allocates over $8000 towards TNR efforts yearly, fixing approximately 63 cats in 2023. Unfortunately, there are many colonies of feral cats that we simply don't have resources to assist with.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT RUN THE TNR PROGRAM DURING THE WINTER MONTHS)
How TNR works at SHAID:
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Contact the shelter BEFORE trapping the cat(s) as there is a waitlist for appointments. Call 902-543-4849 or email info@shaidanimalshelter.com to get added to our waitlist. SHAID will arrange spay/neuter appointment(s) for caretakers that can trap the cats, bring them to and from the appointment and continue caring for them on their property. Please note: We do not reimburse you the cost for taking a feral cat for a spay/neuter if you decide to do this on your own.
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Trap: Once you have an appointment, set a humane trap baited with wet cat food. These do not hurt the cats.
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Neuter/Spay: Once trapped, the cats are taken to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or neutered. During this process, they may receive vaccinations and medical treatment for any health issues. (at no cost to the caretakers)
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Return: After surgery and recovery, the cats are returned to their original location, where they were trapped. This is important because feral cats are highly territorial, and moving them to a new area can cause stress and conflict with other cats. If you don't want the cat returned to your property, notify us and we will arrange it to be relocated to a new caretaker as a Barn Buddy.
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Care and Management: Caregivers often provide food, water, and shelter to the cats in their original habitat. They may also monitor the cats for any signs of illness or new arrivals.
How is TNR effective?
It helps control the population of feral cats without resorting to euthanasia, reduces nuisance behaviors associated with intact cats, and improves the overall welfare of both the cats and the communities they inhabit. Additionally, over time, TNR programs can lead to a gradual reduction in the feral cat population through natural attrition.
What is Ear-Tipping?
Ear tipping involves removing a small portion of a cat's ear while under anesthesia. This results in a flat or slightly angled tip of the ear. Ear tipping is typically used as a visual indicator that a feral or free-roaming cat has been spayed or neutered as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. It helps quickly identify which cats have been sterilized, preventing unnecessary re-trapping and surgeries, and allowing caregivers and animal control agencies to focus on unaltered cats for population control efforts.
Why don't we run our program in the winter months?
During the winter months, we temporarily pause our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to prioritize the safety and well-being of the cats and our volunteers. Cold weather conditions can make it more difficult to safely trap and transport cats, and the risk of exposure to freezing temperatures can be hazardous to their health. Additionally, outdoor shelters and food sources are often less accessible or reliable during the winter. By waiting until warmer months, we ensure that the cats receive the best care possible and our volunteers can work safely and effectively.