No, you haven't been dropped off our e-news list. We've been bustling with activity and are eager to share our journey with you! Our team has been tirelessly working behind the scenes to enhance the lives of pets and strengthen our community ties. Whether it's through our expanded spay/neuter program, fostering for domestic violence pets, helping families in financial crisis, or, educational dog training, we are making strides every day to ensure that every furry friend is happy, healthy and at home. Your support has been instrumental in these accomplishments, and we can’t wait to bring you some news as we continue to make a positive impact together! It's been a while since our last newsletter, so let's catch up. | |
SNIP - Spay Neuter Incentive for Pets
Those of you that received our year-end newsletter read that, with 2026, OPIN planned on expanding its SNIP program to include CATS. This benefit is for qualifying low income families residing in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan or, Norwalk. While we wish we could offer this incentive to every low income resident across Connecticut, we're not there just yet. But, with your help, who knows where the future will take us.
We're happy to report that, after a slow first couple of months, as of the end of August, some 85 cats have been sterilized! That's not to mention the cats financially helped with surgeries, such as pyometra, leg fracture repair or with dentals, xrays, etc. We anticipate helping over 100 cats by year-end.
If you know a pet parent on very limited income, someone who may be receiving some form of CT State Aid, or a senior living only on social security, who owns a cat, OPIN may be able to help. Proof of residency and financial need will be required. Our application can be found here:
Application for Spay/Neuter
You can help us spay/neuter and vaccinate more low income pets, cats and dogs alike, by making a donation to OPIN. No dollar amount is too small and every gift is appreciated. OPIN is an all-volunteer nonprofit supported 100% by the kindness of donors like you. Please sponsor a spay: Support Our Work Here
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Not in Our Service Area?
For those pet parents not within the georgraphic area that OPIN serves, we wholeheartedly encourage you to consider the fantastic Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stratford, CT, just off i-95. Nutmeg Clinic
The price for cats is impressively affordable ($125 males, $150 females, add $25 and get both core vaccines, rabies and distemper). And dogs start at $325 depending upon weight. See Pricing
However, time is of the essence—appointments are filling up fast, with a wait of about three (3) months, so we urge you to reserve your spot online today. Time flies and your appointment will come up before you know it.
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Free Weekly Dog Training
Since 2008, OPIN has offered free weekly dog training to pet parents everywhere. No matter where you've gotten your dog, if you are seeking dog behavior and basic training knowledge (sit, stay, leash walking, stopping jumping or barking), we invite you to join our class. Many pet parents, who were ready to give up on their dogs, are now enjoying their pooches - a win-win for dogs and owners alike.
One hour classes are held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday night at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford. For your first class: bring your dog's rabies certificate (your vet can produce this for you), have your dog wearing a martingale collar attached to a standard 6-foot leash (no retractable leashes). Dog Training Information
A martingale collar is a safe, limited-slip dog collar designed to prevent dogs from backing out or escaping while providing gentle training control (shown below). We recommend the collar martingale collar with the snap buckle for easy on and off.
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Domestic Violence
At OPIN, we are deeply committed to supporting victims of domestic violence through our SafePet Program, which has been providing compassionate care for pets since 2010. We believe that no one should have to leave their beloved pet behind in the hands of an abuser, and our program ensures that pet owners can find peace of mind knowing their furry companions are safe and cared for while they work towards a brighter future.
The joy of reuniting pets with their pet parents after they have found safe housing is truly heartwarming; each reunion is a testament to the resilience of both the human spirit and the bond between pets and their families. However, with the alarming rise in domestic violence cases, we are experiencing an unprecedented demand for foster volunteers this year, making it our busiest on record.
We urgently invite compassionate individuals to step forward and commit to fostering for a period of 60 to 90 days, understanding that the nature of domestic violence can lead to sporadic requests for help. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable pets and their owners. If you’re ready to join our community of heroes, please consider becoming a foster volunteer for a cat, dog, or any other type of pet that captures your heart. Your support can be the lifeline that pets in crisis desperately need.
To learn more about this rewarding opportunity and to access our application, please visit our informative page here: Info & Application.
Once you’ve completed the application, feel free to mail it to us or conveniently scan and email it to our main address at outreach@opinpet.org.
At OPIN, we are dedicated to ensuring that each pet is placed in a loving and suitable foster home, carefully matching them based on their size, temperament, your experience, any allergies, and the specific living environment. Together, we can create safe havens for these animals while nurturing a compassionate community dedicated to animal welfare.
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Has a Friendly Cat Appeared in Your Yard?
We often see people posting that they've been visited by a friendly cat and are wondering, is the cat lost or does it belong to a neighbor?
This link will take you to a site that offers a template and tips on making a paper collar you place on the cat, asking the owner to contact you. What better way to have peace of mind that the little wanderer you've spotted has a person. Make a Cat Paper Collar
Often times, indoor/outdoor cats make their rounds around the neighborhood to eventually go home at night to sleep. So if the cat looks well fed and healthy, try the paper collar method.
Naturally, if the cat appears sick and in need of help, you should call your local Animal Control Office as they have responsibility for sick or injured stray domestic animals.
In Stamford, as with many towns in Connecticut, since cats and dogs are considered ones legal property, it is illegal to keep a stray friendly animal for yourself. Stamford in particular has a city ordinance requiring the finder of a animal to report it to Animal Control within 24 hours. The reason for this is that Animal Control maintains a log book of lost pets and the owner of the pet you have found may be desperately looking for their animal. As well, they will want to scan the animal for a microchip so it can be reunited with its pet parent. You may be helping a truly lost pet find its way home. A photo of the pet will help Animal Control as well.
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Email: Outreach@opinpets.org
For US Mail only: Outreach to Pets In Need, PO Box 488, Riverside, CT 06878
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