Animal charities Sterilise Our Strays and the formerly known as SOS Algarve Animals, as of 13th Nov 2024, have received requests for 1568 cats (yes incredible) and 20 dogs to be sterilised.
"We work with a monthly budget (Nov, Dec and Jan are trial months with smaller available budget). One association from a concelho applied with 1100 cats in need of help, and in all honesty, that number is not even close to reality, that number is very likely exceeding 11.000 cats easily! So, in less than 14 days we have the above mentioned numbers of animals in need!
Sterilisation efforts really would love and need more support from the general public. Sterilisation is the only way forward in reducing the endless stream of unwanted animals and abandoned animals!
Shelters are not the end solution! Sterilisation is!!
"Especially this year, we will all need more help, as the current government has budgeted ZERO into Animal Welfare for 2025, but unfortunately is investing in Bullfighting again.
From 1st February 2025 onwards we will be on full budget and we are looking at doing a minimum of 110 cats and 20 dogs on average per month. That would be on an annual basis 240 dogs and 1320 cats!
This is at current costs and budgeting - if we can get the cost per animal down, we can do even more.
Donations:
So yes, we will be asking for donations of the general public for non-veterinary sterilisation expenses. Like delicious food to catch cats, clean towels and sheets, also one can expect to be asked for financial contribution in the cases animals come in with a broken leg, broken tail, eye issues, etc. These costs to get an animal back on track are not part of the current Protocol and Joint Venture.
We have simplified the application procedure, however, if you are a pet owner asking for help, proof of low income or lack of income will be asked for. This info is of course kept private and confidential.
Who can apply for help sterilising an animal?
Caretakers of colony cats and low-income pet owners of cats / dogs in the councils of Olhao, São Brás, Faro, Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves. We also offer help to associations who will work and stick to our protocols of sterilisations and castrations. We are very open in our protocols and will indeed sterilise kittens and puppies at a young age.
What to expect
Trapping and getting the cats to the vet clinic will be for the applicant/caretaker. We will have traps and cages available for catching, but only for a short amount of time per application (week/10 days). A deposit of 50 euro will be required per trap and this will be reimbursed upon return of our equipment, in clean and complete (not broken) condition.
In rare situations SOS will provide help with catching and driving cats, if there is a need for our help, it needs to be communicated asap, and we will assess if help is needed.
Cats will stay overnight at the vet clinic and will need to be released the day of pick up from the clinic, to reduce their stress levels and boost their immune system. All cats will be defleed and dewormed to help their recovery. Unless the vet involved asks for more care, then the cat will stay either at clinic or in recovery longer.
How to apply
Very simple go to our website and under sterilisation is the application form: www.sosalgarveanimals.com/sterilisation
Please do not send emails, we will not even reply! Also if your online application is not complete, we will not reply, or take you into consideration for help.
What to expect
You will be replied to in the near future, but please allow us at least a week to figure things out, like numbers, available budget and vet clinics. We will allocate a vet clinic SOS works with and as protocols with as close to your address as possible. We are currently looking at more clinics to work with, but this takes time. It is also possible we will organise sterilisation days, where by you are expected to drop off the animal for sterilisation.
In case of pet cats/dogs, microchipping and registration is mandatory, and at cost for the owner!
How can you help us?
• by becoming a volunteer
• helping us develop an educational project
• helping us with social media,
• helping us with fundraising (for example Danny Memorial Fund for surgeries and other costs
• donating cat food and towels and sheets
• helping us with the logistics of traps and cages lending to applicants
• selling of cards, mugs and other merchandise
• organising an annual fundraising activity
• hosting a fundraiser event (restaurant etc)
Please contact us on fundraising@sosalgarveanimals.com if you can help!
Thank you for reading and we are looking forward to a successful year of sterilisation!!
