Whn we founded Kotor Kitties 6 years ago our goal was to remove all barriers to spay-neuter for Montenegro's cats. We provide free sterilization surgeries, with no questions asked regarding where the cat came from, ownership status, or income of owners. We encourage everyone to make a donation if possible, but without pressure. If people tell us they can't afford a donation, we suggest that they catch another cat in their neighborhood, tell their friends and family about how the sterilization went, or hang one of our "reasons to spay or neuter your pet" flyers in a local shop. We have found that word of mouth has been the best promotion of spay-neuter--and it doesn't cost us anything!
There are many ways people can contribute to the cause! And when they contribute they tend to feel some "ownership" of the cause.
In addition to direct funding of surgeries, we loan traps and carriers for transport to the vets, provide free TNR training, help arrange rides to the vet, and provide ongoing and accurate education about cat reproduction (backed up by research and recommendations from organizations outside Montenegro), cat care, and colony care.
We also provide translated information for veterinarians to help them catch up with modern knowledge (i.e.Feline Fix by Five--most vets don't believe they can get pregnant at 4 or 5 months, and when we started, many vets recommended waiting until 12 months to sterilize. Now most are saying 6 - 8 months for cats), protocol for vaccinating community kittens, how to scan for a microchip (they learned to put it in the left should and assume it will stay there), etc. In addition, we provide free training in "small incision" sterilization and free equipment for working safely with feral cats.
The two barriers we've been unable to overcome so far are
- Geography-large parts of the country are remote and rural, requiring a mobile unit to serve. Others would be best served with a transport van.
- The social isolation (and demonization) of the Roma community
We're well over 13,200 spay-neuter surgeries now, and still going strong! I love seeing our impact, as more cats are adopted off the streets once they are ear tipped, people are now willing to adopt female cats, there is less persecution by restaurants and other businesses (some even adopt them once they're ear tipped!) and we seem to see fewer poisonings and cruelty cases these days. Still lots and lots of kittens being abandoned, from newborn on up, but that will take many more years, more funding, and more social pressure to change!
------------------------------
April King
Volunteer and Board Member
Kotor Kitties
+1 206 407 5336
http://www.kotorkitties.org
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2024 01:36 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: December 2024 Giveaway: Removing Barriers to Build Stronger Communities
This December, as part of our Maddie's Fund 30th Anniversary celebration, we're reflecting on the power of breaking down barriers in animal well-being to create lasting connections between pets and people. From simplifying adoption processes to creating barrier-free foster programs, removing obstacles can transform lives-not just for pets, but for the communities that care for them.
Inspired by the innovative ideas of past Maddie's Fund grant recipients, we're inviting you to share your success stories in removing barriers:
What's one change you've made to remove a barrier and how has it helped pets find homes or receive care?
For example, past Maddie's Fund grant recipients have implemented solutions like:
-
Weekend and short-term fostering programs to encourage more community involvement.
-
Waiving adoption fees or reducing costs for specific populations, like senior pets.
-
Developing foster programs for special medical or behavioral cases, like "fospice" care or behavior modification support.
💬 We want to hear your insights and celebrate your successes! Share your story by commenting on this month's thread during December 2024, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Cuddly prize pack for your organization.
💡Need some inspiration? We encourage you to learn more about the innovative work past grant recipients have implemented in their organizations:
📖 Read more about Innovation Grant Recipients
🏅 Read more about all Grant recipients
Together, let's continue to build a community where pets and people thrive without barriers. Thank you for all you do to make animal well-being more inclusive, innovative and impactful!
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#PetSupportServices*
#RemoteCustomerService*
------------------------------
Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
------------------------------