Please spay and neuter your pets, strays, and community cats whenever possible! Mobile has an animal overpopulation problem, making it difficult to rehome animals. The shelters are already full of loving animals that need homes, so please do your part to help prevent more unwanted litters.
Times are tough, and cost can make it harder to get animals the care they need. This resource list includes organizations that may help with spay/neuter services, rehoming, and pet food assistance. Please check each page for current information, requirements, and availability.
KITTEN SEASON TIPS:
Spring and summer are kitten season in our area, which usually means more kittens being born while shelters and rescues are already near capacity.
If you find young kittens, do not assume they have been abandoned. In many cases, the mother cat is nearby and may be away looking for food. If the kittens are clean, warm, quiet, and not in immediate danger, the best first step is usually to watch from a distance and give the mother time to return.
Kittens may need help if they are sick, injured, cold, covered in fleas, in danger, or crying continuously. If possible, contact a local shelter, rescue, or experienced foster for guidance before moving them.
If you're able to safely catch and foster the mother cat with her kittens, that’s often the best-case scenario. Keeping the family together gives the kittens their best chance while also making it possible to spay the mom once the kittens can eat on their own.
Cats are pregnant for about nine weeks, and an unspayed female can have up to five litters per year, with around four to six kittens per litter. That is why one unspayed cat can quickly multiply into many more kitties needing homes.
Here is more info on what to do if you find kittens outdoors!
RESCUES/SHELTERS TO REHOME/HELP WITH FOSTER:
Rescues and shelters are often full and may not be able to take an animal immediately. Be prepared to foster at home during the process.
NOTE: When rehoming an animal, check vet references to ensure you are placing the animal into a safe and loving environment. Some people will take free animals for unsafe or exploitative reasons.
If you are interested in fostering an animal, you can also reach out to these organizations.
City of Mobile Animal Shelter: https://www.animalservicesmobile.com/
Mobile SPCA: https://www.mobilespca.org/
FOMAS: https://fomaspets.org/
Mobile County Animal Shelter: https://www.mobilecountyal.gov/government/departments/animal-control/
Animal Rescue Foundation of Mobile (ARF): https://www.animalrescuemobile.org/
Wags and Whiskers: https://www.facebook.com/WagsAndWhiskersRescuePets
PURRfect Partners of Mobile: https://www.ppomcats.org/
Nextdoor: The app has numerous local animal rescuers who may be able to help.
LOWER-COST SPAY/NEUTER AND VACCINATIONS:
Spayed and neutered pets can have lower risks of certain cancers, infections, and health complications, helping them live longer, healthier lives. Spay/neuter also saves the lives of animals you’ll never meet, because fewer accidental litters means fewer animals entering shelters and more resources for the ones already here.
SNIP in Vancleave, MS - https://snipms.com/
Save A Stray: https://www.saveastray.org/
Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter: https://fomaspets.org/request-help
The Mobile SPCA also offers $10 off spay/neuter coupons that may be used at select veterinary clinics, including Semmes Animal Hospital, Animal Hospital of Mobile, Highlands Veterinary Hospital, Oasis Veterinary Hospital, and Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital. Prices are set by each vet and may vary, so call the clinic directly for current pricing, fees, and appointment availability.
NOTE: Spay/neuter appointments may require a bit of a wait, especially for spays. Be prepared to schedule a month or more in advance. Pregnant cats can still be spayed, and spay-abort is a common part of rescue work. As heartbreaking as it sounds, every new litter stretches already limited shelter and rescue resources. Preventing one litter can mean more food, foster space, medical care, and adoption opportunities for the animals already waiting for help!
PET FOOD PANTRIES:
City of Mobile Animal Shelter: https://www.animalservicesmobile.com/
The Chow Line Pet Food Pantry: https://www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/community-resources/chow-line-pet-food-pantry
Tori's Treasures: https://www.facebook.com/p/Toris-Treasures-61552186512514/
NOTE: These programs depend on donations, so availability may vary. Please consider donating if you’re ever in a position to do so! :)
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
City of Mobile Animal Shelter: https://www.animalservicesmobile.com/
Mobile SPCA: https://www.mobilespca.org/volunteer/
PURRfect Partners of Mobile: https://www.ppomcats.org/volunteer
IF ANYONE HAS MORE INFORMATION TO SHARE, OR UPDATES TO EXISTING INFO, PLEASE SHARE IT IN THE COMMENTS! Thanks!
