Inland Valley Humane Society First in Nation to Host The Big Meow

POMONA, Calif., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. has partnered with Pet Connections Inc. to be among the first animal shelters in the nation to host The Big Meow on August 17, a no-cost spay and neuter day for owned, outdoor cats, enabling responsible pet owners to be a part of an unprecedented program to reduce cat overpopulation in their community and free of charge.

Known as the "Home Away From Home" for countless animals in the Inland Empire, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. has tirelessly worked for more than 60 years to proactively educate and address the issue of pet overpopulation of owned, free-roaming cats that are not spayed or neutered.  The Big Meow supports its efforts and is open to all owners of unspayed or unneutered outdoor cats in the shelter's service area of Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, San Dimas, and the unincorporated areas of West End, San Antonio Heights, and Mt. Baldy.

To participate in this first of its kind event, cat owners must make an appointment in-person at Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. at 500 Humane Way, Pomona 91766 or can call 909.623.9777 ext. 669 to see if appointments are still available.  On the day of The Big Meow, each cat will not only be spayed or neutered at no charge, helping to reduce the number of stray and unwanted cats and kittens coming into shelters, but each cat will also be micro-chipped, increasing the likelihood that each furry feline will be returned to its forever family should it become lost or picked up as a stray.

"The Big Meow is a win-win for everyone in the community," said Bill Harford, president/CEO, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A.  "Not only is it a unique program that helps tackle the cat overpopulation in shelters like ours, but it also provides cat owners with a free solution to help decrease the number of unwanted litters of kittens that inevitably end up homeless and roaming the streets."

In addition, each cat participating in The Big Meow will also receive a free application of Frontline for flea and tick control and free vaccinations, including FVRCP and rabies, to bring each pet current on immunizations.

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. will accept appointments for 150 cats in its service area.  Cats must be between four months and seven years of age, and owners are required to provide proof of residency.  

"Without spay or neuter, the overpopulation of the cat community will continue," noted Harford.  "It's an endless cycle that needs to be addressed by responsible pet owners.  Otherwise, sadly, nearly three million cats and kittens in shelters across America will continue to be humanely euthanized.  Together, we can make a difference, and The Big Meow is a step in the right direction."

To make your appointment today for The Big Meow, contact Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C. A. at 909.623.9777 ext. 669.

About Inland Valley Humane Society

The Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) is a private, non-profit organization that provides animal care and control services to cities throughout the Inland Valley.  As a full access shelter, they take in dozens of lost, abandoned, and homeless pets daily. They work vigorously to find new loving and permanent homes for every healthy pet.  IVHS is located at 500 Humane Way, Pomona, Calif. 91766 and can be reached at 909.623.9777 or by visiting www.ivhsspca.org.

About Pet Connections Inc.

Pet Connections Inc. is a national organization dedicated to developing coalitions between companion animals, individuals and the community to foster humane treatments of pets with mutual benefits to all concerned.  Pet Connections is based in Oshkosh, Wis. and can be reached at 920.232.1357.

SOURCE Inland Valley Humane Society