SPCA finds homes for pets

WINCHESTER — The city animal shelter found homes for 19 cats and eight dogs after offering a Valentine’s Day special last week.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Winchester and Frederick and Clarke Counties kicked off the three-day sale on the holiday.

All animals at the local shelter were available for $14 — with most already spayed or neutered and all vaccinated.

“It helped give us a little wiggle room,” said Margo Bach, interim director of the local SPCA chapter.

The sale was prompted by the need to find adult cats homes as “kitten season” — the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters and rescue groups with homeless litters — approaches. And while it did just that, Bach said they still have a ways to go.

As of Monday afternoon, the shelter had 39 cats.

“The cats are still the issue,” she said, noting that 39 still is a high number.

There are 15 dogs left at the facility, but that is pretty normal, according to Bach.

She noted her concern for kitten season, stating she is unsure of what the spring will bring.

“We’re thinking about what we’re going to be doing next,” she said, hopeful of another sale in March.

On Saturday, Bach said a line went out the door and down the sidewalk for a special that allowed residents to sign up for $20 spaying and $12 rabies vaccinations for pet female cats.

She said 70 people signed up within 45 minutes.

The shelter at 115 Featherbed Lane is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

According to the SPCA website, adoption fees are as follows: dogs and cats — spayed or neutered — $95; not spayed or neutered — $75 with $45 coupon toward spaying or neutering.

— Contact Melissa Boughton at mboughton@winchesterstar.com