In times of crisis, the OSPCA relies on help from area residents.
And the situation is even more urgent during the current COVID-19 pandemic as animals stay longer at the local shelter and area residents find their financial resources strained as they look after their pets.
Robin Elliott, community development coordinator at the Midland Animal Centre, said the shelter hopes to see continued community response from its two-pronged assistance program called the Urgent Animal Care Fund.
"With animals being in our centres for longer than usual, we need assistance in providing for their care,” Elliott said. “It is also a source of support for our community members who may be struggling with animal care in their own homes due to financial strain, or illness.”
Since its official launch earlier this month by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, Elliott said the response has been wonderful with the local shelter able to help people in the community having challenges in getting pet food due to financial challenges.
But the need is still great, according to Elliott.
“As the centre is closed to the public in order to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19, we are not able to facilitate adoptions and receive ‘walk-in’ donations from the public,” she said.
“As these animals will be in our care for longer, the cost of care is mounting. They still need nutritious food, vet care and enrichment, so this fund is, in part, helping the centres to continue to shelter and care for the animals.”
Elliott said the shelter is also aiding area residents having challenges in receiving resources like food and care during the pandemic.
“If people are having these issues, they can call our 310-SPCA (7722) help line and we can help them access the resources they need,” she said. “The important thing is to keep pets with their families during this difficult time.”
People can donate here with funds allocated to the individual centres as needed.
“There is no goal that we are trying to reach, we’re just trying to provide the best assistance that we can,” Elliott said. “We understand that not everyone is able to provide financial donations at this time, but if they can help by sharing posts on social media to get the message out, that’s a really big help to us!”
