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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.
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.