FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 27, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jenny Paillon

HSHV Director of Operations

jenny@hshv.org – (734) 661-3522

Cat Parents Can "Beat the Heat" Before Spring

with the Humane Society of Huron Valley's Spay Promotion

Ann Arbor, MI – It may seem that warmer weather is far off, but now is the time to "Beat the Heat" by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle and preventing unwanted litters before  "kitten season" arrives this spring – a time when shelters traditionally see large numbers of unwanted litters being born. To help reduce the number of homeless cats, the Human Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is offering a "Beat the Heat" promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities®. During the entire month of February, HSHV will spay female cats for a special rate of only $20*.

Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population. While some worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure is known to improve the health of the pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.

"Many people don't know that female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as four months old," says Jenny Paillon, HSHV Director of Operations. "It's our goal to bring female cats in before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our 'Beat the Heat' promotion is a fun way to educate the community and prevent unwanted litters."

This special rate is even less than the organization's normal low-cost and is available to all residents of Washtenaw County.  Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the "Beat the Heat" promotion when they schedule their appointment. The promotion is based on availability and residents of Washtenaw County are encouraged to call now to schedule for February. Please visit www.hshv.org or call 1-888-474-8349 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

*A rabies vaccination is free and included for the $20 spay surgery but cat owners will need to pay $25 additional for the other required vaccination if their cat is not current on vaccinations. Proof is required before surgery.

NOTE: HSHV will also be offering a special in January for male cats. All male cats can be neutered by appointment only for $45 (plus vaccinations). Call 1-888-474-8349 to make your appointment.

 

About the Humane Society of Huron Valley

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, was recently awarded the "Best Large Animal Shelter in Michigan" by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance for saving the most lives. HSHV is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community. HSHV is NOT affiliated with the Michigan Humane Society. For more information, call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.

About PetSmart Charities

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).

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Humane Society of Huron Valley

ADOPTIONS

Mon-Weds: 11 am to 6 pm
Thurs-Friday: 11 am to 7 pm
Sat-Sun: 11 am to 5 pm

CLINIC

Mon-Fri: 9 am to 7 pm
(Surgery drop-off 8 am)
Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
Call 734-662-4365 for appointment;
please, no walk-ins.

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To serve you best, please call our
Intake Department prior to
coming in: 734-661-3528