The Joint Venture between DPDSAA and SOSAA explained
DPDSAA, a UK-based animal charity focused on Portugal, joined forces with SOSAA (aka Sterilise Our Strays) to carry out a mass sterilisation programme for street cats and dogs belonging to low-income families in the Algarve.
This results-driven programme is being scheduled to commence with a late 2024 trial, then embedded in Central Algarve for 2025, extending into Eastern Algarve by 2026, then subsequently Western Algarve by 2027.
DPDSAA are willing to commit further funding of over €640,000 to the overall programme, which should run for three-plus years.
Here, GINIE DE WEERD of SOSAA, explains more about the joint venture with DPDSAA.
At the time of writing – November 13, 2024 – we had received sterilisation requests for 1,568 cats and 20 dogs. We work with a monthly budget (November, December and January are trial months with smaller available budget).
One association from a ‘concelho’ (borough) applied with 1,100 cats in need of help and, in all honesty, that number is not even close to reality; that number is very likely exceeding 11,000 cats easily! So, in less than 14 days, we have the above-mentioned numbers of animals in need!
Sterilisation efforts really need more support from the general public. Sterilisation is the only way forward in reducing the endless stream of unwanted animals and abandoned animals. More shelters are not the end solution; sterilisation is.
Especially this year, we will all need more help, as the current government has budgeted zero into Animal Welfare for 2025 (see story on facing page), but unfortunately is investing in bullfighting again.
From February 1, 2025
From February 1 onwards, we will be on full budget and we are looking at doing a minimum of 110 cats and 20 dogs on average.
That would be on an annual basis 240 dogs and 1,320 cats, at current costs and budgeting. If we can get the cost per animal down, we can do even more.
Donations
So, yes, we will be asking for donations of the general public for non-veterinary sterilisation expenses. Like delicious food to catch cats, clean towels and sheets, also one can expect to be asked for financial contribution should an animal come in with a broken leg, broken tail, eye issues, etc. These costs to get an animal back on track are not part of the current protocol and joint venture.
We have simplified the application procedure, however, if you are a pet owner asking for help, proof of low income or lack of income will be asked for. This information is, of course, kept private and confidential.
Who can apply?
Caretakers of colony cats and low-income pet owners of cats/dogs in the councils of
Olhão, São Brás, Faro, Albufeira, Lagoa, and Silves. We also offer help to associations who will work and stick to our protocols of sterilisations and castrations. We are very open in our protocols and will indeed sterilise kittens and puppies at a young age.
What to expect?
Trapping and getting the cats to the vet clinic will be for the applicant/caretaker. We will have traps and cages available for catching, but only for a short amount of time per application (week/10 days). A deposit of €50 will be required per trap and this will be reimbursed upon return of our equipment, in clean and complete (not broken) condition.
In rare situations, SOS will provide help with catching and driving cats. If there is a need for our help, it needs to be communicated asap, and we will assess if help is needed.
Cats will stay overnight at the vet clinic and will need to be released the day of pick up from the clinic to reduce their stress levels and boost their immune system. All cats will be defleed and dewormed to help their recovery.
How to apply?
Very simple, go to our website and under sterilisation is the application form: www.sosalgarveanimals.com/sterilisation
Please do not send emails; we will not even reply! Also, if your online application is not complete, we will not reply or take you into consideration for help.
You will be replied to in the near future, but please allow us at least a week to figure things out, like numbers, available budget and vet clinics. We will allocate a vet clinic SOS works with and as close to your address as possible. We are currently looking at more clinics to work with, but this takes time. It is also possible we will organise sterilisation days, whereby you are expected to drop off the animal for sterilisation.
In case of pet cats/dogs, microchipping and registration are mandatory, and at cost for the owner.
How can you help us?
• by becoming a volunteer
• helping us develop an educational project
• helping us with social media
• helping us with fundraising
• donating cat food, towels and sheets
• helping us with the logistics of traps and cages lending to applicants
• selling of cards, mugs and other merchandise
• organising an annual fundraising activity
• hosting a fundraiser event (restaurant, etc)
Please contact us on fundraising@sosalgarveanimals.com if you can help.
Form to apply | About DPDSAA & SOSAA
