Our Mission

"To facilitate ways to reduce and eventually eradicate pet overpopulation"

A Brief History of Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative

Beginning

• Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative was founded in 2009;
• Primary goal is to facilitate the opening of a high-volume, reduced cost, spay/neuter clinic (based on the Humane Alliance Model) open to all members of the public regardless of monetary income or demographics;
• Not-for-Profit Status was received in November of 2011;
• Registered Charity Status was received in January of 2012;
• T/N/V/R (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return) 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 by S.N.K.I., 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 one of the mainstay programs of S.N.K.I. due to an overwhelming need for this service.

Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative Today

Spay Neuter Kingston Initiative continues to grow and evolve, branching out into different areas as the need arises.

• T/N/V/R Program (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return): 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. All cats brought into this program are spayed/neutered, given 1st set of "core" vaccinations plus Rabies, treated for internal and external parasites and "ear tipped".
• Kitty Connections (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 internl 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 100 cats and kittens from our colonies into their forever homes.
• K-9 Connections: Originally a Dog Foster/Adoption Program, K-9 Connections focuses on keeping dogs in their current homes as well as providing a "Meet Your Match" program which matches potential owners with available dogs from area organizations and rescue groups.
• 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 and an email is sent to the person who placed the ad advising them of the service, as well as offering suggestions on best search practices and contact information for area organizations. Information on areas of highests concentration 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 has been implemented, starting in 2014, providing $25,000 ($250.00 vouchers) towards the cost of spaying/neutering pets of low-income individuals. $25,000 was also put aside for T/N/V/R of feral  or "community" cats.
• The City of Kingston approached S.N.K.I. in February of 2014 and asked us to implement the T/N/V/R portion of the R.P.O.P. A total of $25,000 has been budgeted for the first year (2014) with funding available for spay/neuter and vaccinations only. 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, treament of minor injuries and major injures (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. 
• 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.

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.