“It's devastating and stressful enough for the people, but the animals are going through everything that the people are going through.”
Heather Mutch, Shelter Manager for Bonnyville and District SPCA, explained that she offered boarding to Fort McMurray pet evacuees to support both pet parents and the animals in need.
“Our numbers were low in our own animals. That's why once everything started happening in Fort McMurray, I just said no, we're going to open our kennels up. We have kennel space and I wanted to be able to help some how, so that's the best way I figured we as an SPCA could help,” said Mutch.
The SPCA made room for the evacuated pets by transferring some of the dogs and cats it housed before the forest fires to the Edmonton Humane Society and a cat rescue group. Since May 4 it has seen 19 evacuees; 14 dogs and five cats.
“We've had people who have dropped them off and picked them up. We've also had people that bring them in for the day so that they can do their errands, running around and things like that,” said Mutch. “It's just so the animals, especially the dogs, have a place to run and play during the daytime.”
Fort McMurray pets receive free daycare and boarding while their owners organize their next steps. They are welcome to stay for as long as needed.
The SPCA can also connect evacuee pet owners with local residents who are offering temporary foster homes for pets.
Owners are asked to fill out a questionnaire upon arriving with their pets.
“(We want to know) any behavioural issues, any special diets, and any medications (the pet may be on).”
“(We want to know) whether (owners) would like our volunteers to take (their pets) out for walks, rather than playing in the yard, and things like that,” said Mutch.
She added, “We want to make the dogs feel more comfortable, and get them into a routine that they're kind of used to. If they're used to walks everyday, than that's what we're looking at.”
Changing a pet's surroundings or diet can be stressful to the animal.
The SPCA has many types of pet food available. If the owner doesn't have their pet's specific foods, the SPCA may be able to make the animal's diet transition easier on it's digestive system. The owner is encouraged, however, to bring any excess food they may have.
“A lot of people come in and say okay my cat's on Purina cat chow, but I don't have any. Terrific, we've got some. We always ask what's your animal been eating regularly. If they don't want to switch their diet, which is very understandable because the dogs and cats are going to back home with them, we can keep them on their regular diets,” said Mutch.
She added, “We also ask them if we can to treat their animals with flea and tick medication just for safety reasons (for the other pets in the shelter).”
These medications, as well as deworming treatments, are available for free. Proper treatment protects other animals staying at the SPCA.
“At this time (evacuees) really don't need an extra expenses. They don't need to deal with that right now, so that's our little part that we can help. You've got to bend. Times are tough and people need help and animals need help. I just wanted the animals to have a safe place,” said Mutch.
