The gift of time is precious to animal shelters

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As the lights and festivals return to Canadian communities, the snow and freezing temperatures return as well, making it a dangerous time for vulnerable animal populations across the country.

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We really need villages to care for animals in need and build caring communities. According to Human Canada’s 2020 Animal Shelter Statistics Report, there are over 170 shelters operated by humanitarian organizations and his SPCA across Canada. These relief and rescue foundations work to keep animals out of the cold, reunite lost pets with their families, and help find places for the constant line of lost and surrendered children looking for a safe place to call home in the winter. I work non-stop during

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Alberta’s animal shelters are now operating at full capacity as the forecast for a record cold winter looms and the number of abandoned ‘pandemic pets’ soars as a result of returning to work and rising costs of living. “We’ve never seen a situation like this before, where so many animals need to be deployed,” says Tanaya Zirg, executive director of the Alberta Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). “All shelters and rescues in Alberta are now at capacity and we are trying to find ways to accommodate more animals for the winter.”

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During this time, ARF relies on dedicated volunteers, foster and adoptive families to keep it running smoothly. “Volunteering is very rewarding,” says Zirg. “This is a chance to help animals that cannot survive on their own. We have volunteers who have been with us since the early 2000s and still come regularly.”

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and dedicated shelter staff, ARF has successfully rescued more than 5,000 dogs and 2,500 cats, but there is always more to do.

On the east side, Hannah Sotropa, assistant manager of communications for the Humane Society of Toronto, agrees. “We know that with the onset of winter comes new challenges,” she says. “We have about 400 active volunteers on our roster, who make up a large part of the workload required to run the shelter. I couldn’t.”

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In addition to sheltering and returning animals year-round, organizations such as ARF and the Toronto Human Society offer a range of animal rescue and welfare programs, including medical services, sterilization, neutering, behavioral training, and emergency foster care. It offers. Donations of time from people in the community. And whether it’s working directly with animals or helping other shelter operations, there’s always a role to play.

As things accelerate towards the holidays, community members are encouraged to support local animal shelters in any way possible through donations of money, resources or time. There are positions available for almost any time commitment and skill set.

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Saskatoon SPCA Executive Director and Development Director Trina Mortson said: “We need someone to help with yard work, kitchen prep, cleaning, fundraising events, and more.

“We are always looking for help with foster care programs. Even if you can’t volunteer time or donate money on-site, you can still do foster care.”

This holiday season is a time for many to reflect on the past year and look for ways to support their communities in the coming year. Our fur baby and her four-legged friend are always in need of help.

“Our volunteers have had a very uplifting experience from start to finish,” says Sotropa. “They can see the difference they’re making to the individual lives of the animals we care for.”

For more information on how you can support vulnerable animals in your community during the cold winter months, please contact your local animal rescue.

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