Large number of Edmonton homeless cats and dogs prompts adoption campaign

Article content

An unprecedented number of homeless dogs and cats is prompting the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) to launch a major adoption campaign.

The organization hasn’t seen anything like it in the last two decades, Kayla Belzil, donor relations manager at SCARS, told Postmedia in an interview Thursday. Currently, there are more than 500 animals in care and getting an appointment with a veterinarian for a spay or neuter is a struggle due to a shortage in Alberta.

Article content

Article content

“So, we see a lot more animals coming in and a lot of animals kind of being dumped on our doorstep,” Belzil said. “We work a lot with community rural pounds. And so, when there’s an outcry for them to have us support them, we try to take as many dogs because we are a no-kill shelter. So, we want to try to give animals an opportunity without the risk of being euthanized.”

‘A little bit of love’

SCARS is hoping to get 200 animals adopted or placed into a foster home by Christmas.

“Every dog that we get to move out is another dog that we can save, which is our goal to save everybody,” said Ashley Rempel, kennel attendant and dog caretaker at SCARS.

Michelle Martino, supervisor manager at SCARS, said every day comes with its own challenges.

On Thursday, the facility received newborn kittens who had just lost their mother.

“Unfortunately the mom got killed by a car, so we don’t have a choice to take them in,” Martino said. “If we can get them all into foster homes, that opens space here so that we can bring in more that are needed to come to a facility for food, water, warmth, etc. A little bit of love.”

Article content

The facility wouldn’t have been able to keep up with cleaning and taking care of the animals without the help of volunteers, Martino said.

COVID-19 and inflation major contributing factors

The COVID-19 pandemic and inflation are two major factors contributing to this critical situation, Belzil said. Now that people are going back to work in person, some are giving up their pets.

Owning a pet comes with a significant cost, which could leave people a little bit hesitant to adopt. However, Belzil said they try to make sure that any special medical needs are taken care of prior to people adopting an animal. The adoption fee includes all medical expenses, vaccinations and a spay or neuter.

Belzil said that SCARS tries to make sure the people adopting the pets are a good match, noting that the vetting process takes up to two weeks.

“We want to make sure that they have an enclosed backyard for dogs and that they’re able to be in a space if their cat’s in a condo. If somebody has another animal like a dog, we like to do a meet and greet first to make sure that it really is a good fit and we will always work with the people who adopt to make sure that, in time, it is right for them,” Belzil said.

To adopt, volunteer and have a look at the animals in need of homes, visit scarscare.ca.

SCARS takes in unwanted pets from remote area dog pounds and veterinary clinics. Each one is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and receives whatever care it needs. It finds homes for more than 2,000 pets every year.

tmazloum@postmedia.com

Article content