PALS grant to provide spay/neuter for stray cats

The Poweshiek Animal League Shelter has announced a generous matching grant pledge by Laura Ostrem of Montezuma.

Ostrem has committed to matching all donations up to $2,000 to support the spaying and neutering of homeless and stray cats in Poweshiek County.

This initiative aims to reduce the population of stray cats and improve their health and well-being.

Donations can be sent to PALS at Box 123, Grinnell, IA 50112. Indicate that the donation is for the Ostrem Fund to ensure it is matched.

Residents of Poweshiek County wanting to spay/neuter a stray or community cat will need to purchase a voucher from PALS for $20 each. These vouchers, along with detailed program instructions, can be obtained at the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, located at 4167 20th St., Grinnell.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Saturday. The shelter is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The vouchers can be used at All Pets Veterinary in Grinnell and Brooklyn Vet Clinic.

The $20 voucher covers the cost of spaying or neutering, rabies and distemper shots and a FeLv test. Cats will be ear-notched as part of the program.

This offer is available to residents of Poweshiek County only.

"We are incredibly grateful to Laura Ostrem for her generous pledge," said Chris Grundler, treasurer for PALS. "This matching grant will significantly impact our efforts to control the stray cat population and ensure these animals receive the care they need."

“I’m grateful to the PALS organization and its many volunteers for all they do to care for animals in our community, and I’m glad for the opportunity to support this low-cost spay/neuter program,” said Ostrem.

“I’d also like to thank the veterinarians who are participating in this important program. My family has adopted many stray cats and kittens over the year, and it seems that every year there are more kittens than PALS can accommodate,” Ostrem said.

“I feel that most cat owners recognize the need to have their cat spayed or neutered, but many have difficulty affording the vet fees. My hope is that this program will enable more cat owners to get their pets spayed or neutered, which should help decrease the stray cat population.”

For more information, contact the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter at palspetsia@gmail.com or palspetsaccts@gmail.com.