About us

Kitty Kare began in 2010 as a result of volunteering at the City of Thunder Bay Animal Services and witnessing the number of unclaimed stray and abandoned cats and kittens being euthanized due to condition or space issues.

 

When we began in 2010, approximately 1500 cats and kittens were brought to Animal Services yearly: approximately 1200 were euthanized. It was heart-wrenching and our impetus to rescue. We could not stand by and allow so many innocent lives be destroyed. We  pulled cats from Animal Services, placed them into foster homes, vaccinated, spay/neutered and adopted out these cats.

 

We are 100% volunteer run, not-for-profit registered charity and receive no government funding. We are not a cost recovery rescue in that we do not have a set adoption fee. We pay all our vet care and foster expenses out of pocket and rely on our fundraising activities and donations.

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Situation

Despite City by-laws, people allow their intact/unspayed cats to wander. Whether it is the expense of the procedure or irresponsibility, too many unwanted kittens are born.

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We believe that for many, the cost of living –  does not allow families to keep their pet. Abandonment seems to be the easiest solution. Vet care is often prohibitive and in Thunder Bay as it is in many cities across Canada, it is not available.

 

What does Kitty Kare do?

When we began, we rescued felines destined to be killed at Animal Services due to condition or lack of space. However, although we have not received formal notification, Animal Services has closed to accepting stray and abandoned cats. As a result, we have amended our mandate.

 

We have decided to be proactive – work to eliminate the reasons for abandonment. We work with veterinarians and owners to eliminate the need for economic euthanasia or relinquishment which would require placement into foster homes.

 

We are providing supplies for those struggling to feed their pets and themselves. When we have requests, we rescue and place these cats into foster homes, making sure they are vaccinated and spay/neutered.

 

Pre COVID we worked to educate the public through our displays/handouts and also by visiting elementary, secondary and post secondary classes. This helped to create an awareness of the unnecessary suffering cats endure as a result of overpopulation and to promote spay/neuter programs within the community. We intend on continuing this role.