When?: 

• Oct 16 and 23 for Cat Spays (Female cats).
• Oct 24 and 31 for Cat Neuters (Male cats).

Where?: 

Hastings Lake Animal Hospital

Who?:

Farm Cats. 
Cats MUST be greater than 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg). 

There will be a limited number of cat spay spots available and no cancellation list this year so please book early to avoid disappointment AND unwanted kittens. This program is not for pet/house cats, please.

Why?:

Our effort to control the cat population in our rural community.  Humane societies in Alberta euthanize many, many cats annually because there are not enough homes, they become ill because they aren't cared for, or they become feral because nobody is taking care of them.  Rural communities like ours produce many of these unwanted cats.   

History:

This program started in 2009 as a fundraiser for Ministik Elementary School to help with funding technology, field trips and extras for our rural students.  It also taught our kids a lot about responsible farm cat ownership.   We use the funds now to support our rescue program and our Kids Camp program (which is starting again next summer!).  We have rescued and rehomed many, many cats and a few dogs and continue to do our rescue work throughout the year.  Our Kids Camp program gives about 40-60 kids/summer a very exciting veterinary clinic experience.  All of our Kids Camps and our Rescue Program Adoptions are done by donation.  

Volunteers:

If you are interested in volunteering with the program please email us at info@hastingslakevet.com with your age (if under 18 years), days you are interested in volunteering and contact information.

Registration:

Registration is online only.  

• New this year – all registrations will be paid for online in advance of the clinic. Once you have registered your cat AND paid, you will receive a final confirmation via email from us with 72 hours of registration.
  
  
• We can take up to eight cat spays per day. We are accepting as many cat neuters as possible.
  
  
• Female cats must come on spay days; male cats must come on neuter days. We are not able to accommodate females and males on the same day.
  
  
• The fee will be $185 for cat spay and $75 for cat neuter.
  
  
• Registration opens Tuesday, Sept 3rd at 8:30am.

Fasting:

All cats must be off food by midnight the night before.  Water should be offered until admission.

Admission:

• MALE CATS- You will be contacted with an admission time for cat neuters. 
  
  
• FEMALE CATS- Cat spay admission will be at 8:30am.
  
  
• All cats must be in a proper cat carrier labelled with your name, phone number and the name of the cat.
  
  
• One cat per carrier, please.

Surgery:

Cats have a brief pre-anesthetic examination by a Registered Veterinary Technologist. Surgeries are performed by veterinarians. The cats are under general anesthesia. 

Discharge:

Female cats: Cat spays need to be kept in a quiet, restricted area for 5 days after surgery and they will need to be administered postoperative pain medication for 3 days after surgery. 

Male Cats: Cat neuters need to be in a quiet, restricted environment for 24 hours.

Discharge will be prior to 5pm.

Additional Services at regular price include:

• Rabies vaccine (1 year)- $37.01.
  
  
• FVRCP Combo Vaccine $37.01.
  Needs booster in 4 weeks if never been vaccinated before.
  
  
• Feline Leukemia vaccination- $37.01.
  Needs booster in 4 weeks if never been vaccinated before.
  
  
• Nexgard Combo (Topical)- $45.02.
  Treats external/internal parasites including tapeworms and ear mites for cats 2.5kgs -7.0 kg. 

Minimum Donation Required:

• $185 minimum donation for spays. 
  
  
• $75 minimum donation for neuters.
  
  
• Fees apply for additional services.