Furry friends in search of a forever home were plenty to be found at Pet Valus across Canada last Saturday and Sunday – and the Virgil location was no exception.
Pet Valu’s National Adoption Weekend, held four times a year, aims to support a community charity, with this year’s choice being NOTL Cat Rescue.
Laura and John Kott, co-owners of the Virgil store, chose this group, which provides foster families for rescued cats awaiting adoption along with essential medical services.
Tanya Rice, director of fundraising with NOTL Cat Rescue said that their organization has already received several helpful donations from people and businesses in the community.
Grape Escapes donated a cheque for $200 and for their upcoming spring fundraiser, NOTL Cats has been sponsored by Kauzlaric Farms on Concession 4, Bellyacres Farms on Reed Road and Handmade Presence in Garrison Village.
“We have zero start-up costs for our spring fundraiser, which will be on March 30,” Rice told The Lake Report.
For those who wish to make a donation in the form of supplies, NOTL Cats are always in need of food and litter, particularly Fancy Feast wet food, or Whiskas for stray outdoor cats, said Rice.
Pet Valu’s National Adoption Weekend is primarily focused on accepting donations and helping address the needs of pets in different places, Laura Kott said.
“It goes toward whatever the community happens to need. Like when pets are affected by wildfires, or pets that are affected by flooding in other provinces,” she said.
However, Pet Valu itself is also in need of donations for sponsorship, specifically toward a larger in-store cage for events like adoption weekend.
“We’re glad to have the cage that we do have, but the more room for cats the better. Unfortunately, that’s expensive,” Kott said.
The cost of a large cage, like the one in use at Pet Valu on Vansickle Road in St. Catharines would cost upwards of $3,000.
During adoption weekend, the store received a $500 pledge towards the freedom enclosure from a community business owner.
“It’s on our wish list,” Kott said.
