T/N/V/R (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return) Program was not one of the original goal(s) of S.N.K.I. This program started in 2010 with the Bath Institution Feral Cat Colony which was slated to be euthanized. Due to a successful and intense media campaign, this colony was saved, is now completely stabilized (all cats spayed/neutered) and is being “managed” by one of the inmates. T/N/V/R continues to be on of the mainstay program of S.N.K.I due to an overwhelming need for this service.
Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative continues to grow, branching out into different areas as the need arises.
“Managed” Feral Cat Colonies: All colonies accepted into our T/N/V/R Program must have a caretaker committed to providing food, water and adequate shelter for the duration of the lifetime of the colony. Food is supplemented by S.N.K.I. as donations permit;
Cat Foster/Adoption Program: “Friendly” cats and kittens born into our “managed” feral cat colonies are brought into foster homes where they are socialized to people. Each cat or kitten is vetted, vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, spayed or neutered and microchipped prior to adoption. All homes are carefully screened and every effort is made to find the best possible “match” based on the needs of the animals in our care and those of the potential adoptive homes. To date we have placed over 350 cats and kittens from our colonies into their forever homes.
K-9 Connections: Originally a Dog Foster Adoption Program, K-9 Connections has now been separated into two programs: "Meet Your Match", working with reputable rescue groups to match available dogs with potential adopters, and "Keep Your Match" which will focus on keeping dogs in their homes utilizing available resources.
Kingston Community Lost and Found Pets: Developed as a means of assisting lost and found pets unite with their owners, this program is growing in popularity among members of the community. Kijiji ads are cross-posted, an email is sent to the person who placed the ad and information on areas of highest concentrations of lost and found pets, as well as success rates, are being kept for statistical analysis.
S.N.K.I. was part of the City of Kingston’s Responsible Pet Ownership Program Committee. A voucher system is being implemented in 2014, providing $25,000 ($250.00 vouchers) towards the cost of spaying/neutering pets of low-income individuals.
The City of Kingston approached S.N.K.I. in February of 2014 and asked us to implement the TNVR (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return) portion of the R.P.O.P. A total amount of $25,000 has been budgeted for the first year (2014) with funding available for spay/neuter and vaccinations only. As S.N.K.I. is already running an effective T/N/V/R Program, we are very much aware that there are other costs associated with optimal colony health. To that end, S.N.K.I. is covering all costs for flea treatment, treatment of minor injuries and major injuries (based on vet recommendation and as our funding permits) as well as any necessary testing.
Following the success of the 2014 City of Kingston T/N/V/R Program, S.N.K.I. will again be running this program in 2015 and 2016. This program continues into 2017 and onwards.
The City of Kingston has committed to explore the long-term vision of establishing a cost efficient, dedicated low-cost spay/neuter clinic operated in partnership with animal welfare stakeholders
To date SNKI has fixed over 1,880 cats/kittens while keeping these "at risk" kitties out of the shelter system. Feral cats and kittens do not do well in the shelter environment and are generally euthanized.
Governing Body
Our governing body is our Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for setting long-term policy, establishing the strategic direction of S.N.K.I. and ensuring the effective use of overall resources. Ultimate responsibility for control and direction of S.N.K.I. is vested in and taken by the Board of Directors.
