MEOW Foundation aims to open Calgary's 1st cat-only adoption spot

A Calgarycharity has been quietly rescuing cats in and around Calgary, but nowthey're gearing upto fling open the doors to a newly renovated, cat-only adoption centre.

The MEOW Foundation has been "making do" with a location in the city's northwest for 16 years, where adult cats are adopted out, said director of operations Debbie Nelson.

But the 2,000-square-foot space is notproperly zoned as an animal rescue centre, and it is too small to store thekennels, traps and other equipment that the organization has.

Nelson said the rescue society has been using volunteers' garages as a makeshift solution.

"It's time to move on. It's time to do the best that we can," she toldThe Homestretch.

New facility with intake area

The organization has purchased a 7,500-square-foot place in the city's northeast quadrant, but will have to undertake approximately $500,000 worth of renovations to replace the ventilation system and get the building up to code.

Nelson said the new space will allow for anintake area, administrative offices, appropriatestorage and even a place for cats and potential adopters to get to know one another.

"We pride ourselves on matching people to cats. We have adoption specialists that work one on one with you," she said.

"We listen very carefully to what you're looking for in a pet, whether you need a social butterfly or you like a quieter cat."

Upcoming garage sale

The foundation is holding a garage sale Aug. 13 and 14 to help raise the remaining $200,000 that the foundation needs for the renovations.

Nelson anticipates that the building, located at 35 Skyline Cres. N.E. will open in 12 to 18 months' time.

Since 2000, theMEOWFoundation has helpedrehome6,000 cats and kittens.

Inaddition to theirrescue and adoption programs, the organization offers subsidized spay and neuter assistance, cat food assistance, and a trap-neuter-return program for cats in Calgary.

With files from The Homestretch