SPAY MAMA PROGRAMControlling pet overpopulation is important to Cape Ann Animal Aid. In addition to spaying/neutering animals prior to adoption, we operate the Spay Mama Program to assist families in our community should their animal become unexpectedly pregnant. Through the Spay Mama Program, Cape Ann Animal Aid will cover the cost of a spay surgery for cats and dogs that have recently given birth. The mother and her babies are fixed and the mother is returned to the owner while the puppies/kittens are adopted out through the shelter.
We understand that each individual situation is unique. Please call 978-283-6055 or email [email protected] for more information. |
Thank you to the Massachusetts Animal Coalition for supporting our 2024 Spay Mama Program with a grant from the MA “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate program! |
FAQ
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THIS PROGRAM?
The Spay Mama Program is intended to assist families living in Massachusetts, with priority given to those living on Cape Ann (Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, and Essex).
WHEN SHOULD WE CONTACT YOU?
Owners who find themselves with an unexpected litter or pregnant animal should contact us as soon as possible to discuss the individual situation, needs, and availability of assistance.
WHAT IF THE KITTENS/PUPPIES ARE NEWBORN OR STILL NURSING?
Most owners are able to keep the litter until weaning age. We work with the owners to act as fosters for the litter, wherein the litter stays with mom in the home, especially while nursing and during those important development stages. We work with the owners to bring the litter in for routine de-worming and vaccines and then schedule a day for the litter to enter the shelter when they are ready to officially leave mom. During this time, we may also be able to help provide food and supplies for the growing family. There are times when an owner may be unable to keep the litter until weaning age, these cases are discussed on an individual basis.
WHAT IF THE MAMA IS NOT NURSING THE BABIES?
If the mother is not properly caring for the babies, the babies may need to be surrendered earlier and raised in a separate foster environment. There are also times when mother and babies may be surrendered for care at the shelter and the mother is later returned to the owner after the babies are weaned. There are a variety of options in-between that we are happy to discuss based on the individual situation.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MAMA AFTER THE LITTER IS SURRENDERED TO THE SHELTER?
We work with the owners to schedule a spay appointment at their convenience with our in-house Shelter Medicine Department. Cape Ann Animal Aid covers the cost of the spay surgery and any associated pain medications. Meanwhile, the babies are spayed/neutered and placed for public adoption. This ensures that these kittens/puppies will not reproduce in the future, potentially adding to the population of unwanted/homeless animals.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 978-283-6055
The Spay Mama Program is intended to assist families living in Massachusetts, with priority given to those living on Cape Ann (Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, and Essex).
WHEN SHOULD WE CONTACT YOU?
Owners who find themselves with an unexpected litter or pregnant animal should contact us as soon as possible to discuss the individual situation, needs, and availability of assistance.
WHAT IF THE KITTENS/PUPPIES ARE NEWBORN OR STILL NURSING?
Most owners are able to keep the litter until weaning age. We work with the owners to act as fosters for the litter, wherein the litter stays with mom in the home, especially while nursing and during those important development stages. We work with the owners to bring the litter in for routine de-worming and vaccines and then schedule a day for the litter to enter the shelter when they are ready to officially leave mom. During this time, we may also be able to help provide food and supplies for the growing family. There are times when an owner may be unable to keep the litter until weaning age, these cases are discussed on an individual basis.
WHAT IF THE MAMA IS NOT NURSING THE BABIES?
If the mother is not properly caring for the babies, the babies may need to be surrendered earlier and raised in a separate foster environment. There are also times when mother and babies may be surrendered for care at the shelter and the mother is later returned to the owner after the babies are weaned. There are a variety of options in-between that we are happy to discuss based on the individual situation.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MAMA AFTER THE LITTER IS SURRENDERED TO THE SHELTER?
We work with the owners to schedule a spay appointment at their convenience with our in-house Shelter Medicine Department. Cape Ann Animal Aid covers the cost of the spay surgery and any associated pain medications. Meanwhile, the babies are spayed/neutered and placed for public adoption. This ensures that these kittens/puppies will not reproduce in the future, potentially adding to the population of unwanted/homeless animals.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 978-283-6055
