SALEM, Ore. — Stray, free-roaming and even pet cats found in the 97301 area are eligible for free spay or neuter surgery, as well as vaccines and flea treatment thanks to a grant.
The $116,190 grant through Petsmart Charities will help cats on the largest scale the Salem, Ore., community has ever seen, Willamette Humane Society officials said.
Residents in the 97301 will be able to trap, neuter, and return stray cats at no cost through the Willamette Humane Society and The Marion Polk Community Cat Program. Locals might also receive onsite assistance from volunteer trappers to assist in identifying, trapping, transporting and documenting the local cat population. Owned indoor cats could also qualify for free surgery through this program, with some age restrictions. People who are aware of or feeding stray cats in the area are encouraged to contact ccc@whs4pets.org or call 503-585-5900 Ext. 313.
Willamette Humane Society board member Shannon Priem was among the volunteers who went door-to-door in a downpour Saturday, spreading the word about the free services.
"We picked the 97301 zip code because census and demographic studies show these neighborhoods have the most free-roaming cats," Priem said. "They also tend to be poorer neighborhoods, so they need our help."
