LETTER

Census of cats & dogs in the city 

 Following a year of field absence on Gatineau territory, the SPCA de l’Outaouais (SPCAO) has chosen a dozen people who will conduct the census of cats and dogs, from June 10 to October 18. The new census agents are mandated to visit the 112,000 doors of the City to make citizens aware of the various roles played by the organization and to ensure compliance with municipal regulations (183-2005) concerning licenses for cats and dogs. 

Last year, due to the lack of field agents, only 36,500 animals were registered. However, according to the most recent surveys conducted by the Association of Veterinary Surgeons of Quebec (2016 and 2017), there are cats in 33% of homes in Quebec and 24% for dogs.  The average is 1.7 cats and 1.2 dogs per household. This means that more than 89,000 cats and dogs would be living in Gatineau homes and at least 50,000 of them would not be registered in accordance with municipal regulations. 

The Executive Director of the SPCAO, France Dubois, reminds owners of animals, “The ultimate goal of this service is to find quickly and efficiently the owner of any animal lost or that ran away. The safe return to the house can only be assured if it carries its license on the neck! Also, by fulfilling this obligation, you clearly demonstrate your interest in the safety of your pet.”

The SPCA de l’Outaouais is a non-profit organization that does not benefit from any government subvention and whose revenues from the sale of licenses represent more than 50% of the annual budget. Without this income, SPCAO could not carry out its mission. Last year, 5,000 animals were saved through the organization’s work. The census for cats and dogs has been completely redesigned so that the visit of the agents is a more pleasant and positive experience for all citizens. 

Maxime Daigle , 

SPCA de l’Outaouais, 

Gatineau