Collaboration Chips Cats!

Erica Coomber
InfoStream Guest Author

The proof that collaboration is alive and well in our community was proven this past weekend during the First Annual Free Feline Microchip Clinic held in Red Deer, AB. 

Red Deer & District SPCA, Whisker Rescue Society of Alberta and Alberta Animal Services joined forces to offer up a Free Microchip Clinic for cats in our community. 

"The overwhelming public response was simply incredible. The three important animal welfare agencies in our area have proven that working together in our community with pets and people can truly be a great thing," said George Potter, CAO, Alberta Animal Services. 

When the clinic opened at 9:30 a.m., lineups extended out the door. By the end of the day, the clinic microchipped more than 200 cats. 

"We at Whisker Rescue want to extend our deepest gratitude to Alberta Animal Services and the Red Deer & District SPCA for including us in this wonderful and positive event," said Stacy Worobetz, Founding Executive Director, Whisker Rescue. "This was our first time helping at a microchip clinic and we were so happy to see the large turnout an all the thankful and responsible pet owners. We hope to be a part of many more to come."

The clinic was spearheaded by the trio of organizations but support and donations took place behind the scenes as well, said Erica Coomber, Shelter Administrator for Alberta Animal Services. Eidap Inc. provided hundreds of microchips for the event and PetLynx offered up Lifetime Recovery Subscriptions with every procedure. Hill's Science Diet also donated bags of treats to hand out to cat owners. 

"The Red Deer & District SPCA is proud to work in collaboration with Whisker Rescue and Alberta Animal Services to offer this important service to our community," said Tara Hellewell, Executive Director, Red Deer & District SPCA. "There is a great demand placed on all of our organizations to provide costly support and care to so many stray & abandoned cats. Through the support of community sponsors and caring volunteers, we can be sure that more lost cats make it back to their owners." 

Dezerae Jenkins, Alberta Animal Services & Peter, Whisker Rescue
Photo courtesy of Alberta Animal Services