BONNYVILLE – Animal rescue shelters often promote the slogan, “Adopt, don’t shop.” This refers to the act of choosing to adopt an un-homed animal rather than purchasing a new puppy or kitten from a breeder.
A locally owned pet supply store in Bonnyville, however, has combined shopping for pet supplies with its ‘Find my Forever Home’ project, putting a new twist on the saying.
Pet Valu has an enclosure at the front of the store that houses and features four cats and kittens from the Bonnyville and District SPCA.
“SPCA staff switch them out once a week just so that the cats can get a proper viewing from more people. Hopefully that way, they all have a better chance at getting adopted,” said Rae-Ann O’Donnell, who has been a manager at Pet Valu for nearly five years.
O’Donnell says that if there is a cat or kitten that a family is considering adopting, but wasn’t at the store during their next visit, that they shouldn’t worry and that the cat could still be at the SPCA waiting for its ‘furever’ home.
When an individual or family is ready to take the next steps in adopting a feline friend featured at the pet supply store, they will need to reach out to the Bonnyville SPCA.
“Everything gets processed through the SPCA, we are just featuring them so that more cats have a chance to get a home,” she explained. “That’s why we started (the program) about five years ago when the store opened.”
Over the last half-decade, O’Donnell believes about 60 or more cats have been adopted as a result of the project.
The cost of adopting a kitten under six months old through the Bonnyville and District SPCA is $175, while all cats over that age are $145. The adoption fee includes the cost of the cats being spayed or neutered
Anyone who adopts one of the featured cats also gets a New Pet Parent Guide provided by Pet Valu. But, any new pet parent that is interested in a guide can also come down to the store to grab one.
Featured kittens
Pet Valu is currently featuring four female kittens under the age of six months: Strawberry, Luma, Blueberry and Fern.
“Blueberry is spunky and rambunctious,” described O’Donnell.
“Strawberry is a little standoffish but very cuddly compared to the others. This is Fern’s second time here, but she just seems like a sweetheart.”
Luma is the fourth featured kitten. O’Donnell describes her as the most shy of the group.
“She doesn't come out a whole lot, but she'll warm up.”
