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SERVICES
Get access to care for your cat(s)
Ena's Spay & Neuter Program
How we serve the Community of Chilliwack
Ena's Community Cats provides low-cost spays/neuters for cats whose owners are experiencing financial challenges.
Our program is on a sliding scale from $129-$189 and includes your cat's spay/neuter, core vaccines, a dose of dewormer, pain meds (both a shot and to take home), and either an ID tattoo or a microchip, depending on which of our trusted veterinary partners we work with on the day of your cat's surgery.
We ask that all applicants pay as much as they can afford to ensure that we retain our precious funds to help those who are truly in need.
ABOUT
Ena, a community legend
Ena Vermerris, founder of Ena's Community Cats, impacted Chilliwack's pet population enormously by spaying and neutering more than 8,500 felines during her lifetime. Ena believed in 100% volunteerism; her team never took a penny, meaning that 100% of any funds donated to her organization went directly toward helping cats in need. We continue to embody these same values today.
Vermerris's love for animals and people began in her youth and continued into her retirement. She was born in the Netherlands during WWII in 1937, where her family, along with a kitten tucked under her sweater, sought refuge on the roof of their house after the dikes were bombed. The situation was so dire that they said their goodbyes to each other before realizing that they were being rescued.
Following the catastrophic incident, she devoted her life to helping people. Vermerris and her family relocated to Canada in 1953, and she learned English to assist her parents in communicating as they settled here. She graduated from nursing school in 1964 and had a successful
40-year career as a nurse, including serving as the head nurse at Chilliwack General Hospital before retiring in 2002.
After retiring, Vermerris launched Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven, an admirable cat adoption and rescue organization. She ran the organization for a decade, and then created Ena's Community Cats with Amber Price in 2013.
Vermerris's heart was big, and she showcased her kindness by helping many animals, especially cats, in need. She was also there for individuals who needed assistance evacuating and finding their pets' homes during a wildfire crisis. She touched so many lives; thousands of people have ‘an Ena story’ of her kindness, generosity, and love of cats.
Ena Vermerris passed away peacefully in her home on August 30, 2023. Her board members and dear friends Amber Price, Marieke Heaps, Barbara Dechief and Collette Kolodychuk have continued her legacy in her name.
OUR MISSION
A true love and calling for cats
At Ena's Community Cats, we aim to lower the unwanted cat population with affordable, outstanding spays/neuters.
Our low-cost spay/neuter program for cats is central to our mission. By offering accessible and affordable services, we aim to prevent overpopulation and reduce the number of stray animals, ultimately creating healthier and happier cats in our community.
OUR TEAM
Members that serve cats & community
Amber Price
Board Member
Collette Koldychuk
Board Member
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Marieke Heaps
Board Member
Barbara Dechief
Board Member
FAQ
Your questions, answered
With spay and neuters come many questions and best practices for cat care. Our list of topics will provide valuable information, insight and instruction.
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How do I pay for the spay/neuterYou can pay online through our PayPal account
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What is included in your spay/neuter program?Our program includes your cat's spay/neuter, their core vaccines, a dose of dewormer, pain meds (both a shot and to take home) and either an ID tattoo or a microchip depending on which of our trusted veterinary partners we work with on the day of your cat's surgery. Your cat may, or may not receive a cone to keep them from licking their incision site. Please be prepared to either purchase a cone, or you can look up ‘How to make a cat onesie’ on Google to access tutorials on YouTube for a simple, and free option to keep your cat from licking their incision site.
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What is the cost of your program?Ena’s Community Cats offers a sliding scale from $129-$189. We ask that that owners pay as much as they can afford (and are welcome to add additional donations) to ensure that our precious funds stay available to vulnerable community members who are truly in need.
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When do you spay/neuter cats?All of our spays/neuters are performed on Wednesdays. Drop off is at 45939 Wellington Avenue (The Book Man) between 8:05-8:15 in the morning, and a designated pickup time on the same day, between 3-4:30. All drop off details will be clearly communicated to you once your booking has been confirmed.
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Can I surrender my cat to you?At present Ena’s Community Cats only provides low cost spays/neuters. Please exhaust family, friends and online options before contacting our overburdened rescue organizations. Facebook also has several rehoming groups, such as BC Adoptable Pets that can be very helpful. As a last resort you can attempt to surrender your cat to local rescue agencies such as the SPCA, Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven, ABC Cat Rescue or Forever Homes Cat Rescue. The more notice that you give these agencies, the better.
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My cat is in heat/pregnant - can we still sign her up for the spay program?Absolutely we can. Pregnancy is very dangerous for cats, and there are many risks for the kittens as well. By preventing unwanted kittens from being born, we are all doing our part to control the cat population in Chilliwack. With our local shelters struggling to keep up with the capacity of unwanted cats and kittens, it’s imperative that we act quickly and get your cat spayed!
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Do you provide vaccinations, flea, worm, and mite treatments?At this time our services are limited to spays/neuters.
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Do you provide assistance with medical costs?Our services are limited to our spay/neuter program at this time.
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I want to adopt a cat, where should I look?Forever Homes ABC Cat Rescue Abby Cat Daddy Safe Haven
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I lost my cat, what should I do?You can find more info from our friends at Chilliwack Safe Haven
Our team operates entirely on a volunteer basis, so every dollar of your donation directly supports affordable spay/neuter services for cats in need.
By contributing, you help prevent overcrowding in local animal shelters, safeguard the health of both cats and kittens, and ensure that high-quality medical care is accessible to cats owned by lower-income members of our community.