Desiree DeCoste
Beaver Staff
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society has set up an Urgent Animal Care Fund with other SPCAs and humane societies in Ontario to help animal organizations in the province continue to care for animals and support pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ontario SPCA is providing essential services to support municipalities, public health and police. Following direction from the government of Ontario and advice of health professionals, the Ontario SPCA and its partners closed their doors to the public to help slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Unfortunately that means all adoptions are put on hold, until further notice. Many SPCAs and humane societies are facing growing costs as they continue to care for the animals who will now have to wait longer to be adopted. But even with this pause in adoptions, animals in shelters still need nutritious food, veterinary care, enrichment and daily attention to keep them healthy and happy.
“We know the long-term costs of care for animals in shelters are adding up, and not just for us, but for other SPCAs and humane societies across the province, which is why the Urgent Animal Care Fund was established,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, chief of humane programs and community outreach for Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By supporting your local SPCA or humane society, you will help ensure that vulnerable animals in your community are fed, safe and cared for during these challenging times.”
Pet owners from across Ontario are also reaching out for help caring for their animals. As the demand for critical resources like pet food and supplies continues to grow, funds are needed to ensure animal owners in under-served communities can continue to care for their beloved companions.
The Urgent Animal Care Fund will help ensure animals in communities all across Ontario, are safe should their families face financial hardship, become ill, or if they can’t access critical supplies and resources like food or veterinary care.
For more information and/or to donate visit https://ontariospca.ca/urgent-animal-care-fund/