A new urgent care fund is helping make sure animals in the community are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An urgent animal care fund has been set up by the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) with the Timmins and District Humane Society (TDHS), along with other societies across the province. According to the TDHS, it's to help animal organizations continue caring for animals and support pet owners through the pandemic.
“We know that the long-term costs of care for animals in shelters are adding up, which is why the Urgent Animal Care Fund was established,” said Alicia Santamaria, TDHS executive director, in a news release. “By supporting your local humane society, you will help ensure that vulnerable animals here in the Timmins area are fed, safe and cared for during these challenging times.”
At the Timmins humane society, the building is closed to the public.
Adoptions are on hold, and Alicia Santamaria said animals are only being sent out on adoption in cases where space is needed in the shelter.
"As we continue navigating this global crisis and continue to support our community as much as possible, we certainly are experiencing cases where animals are coming into our care as a result. As of this week, we're quite full in our dog area and cat intake areas, which means that we're unfortunately only able to take on urgent cases at this time," she said.
Along with helping cover the cost of having animals in their care longer, the fund will help pet owners who are reaching out for help.
"As the demand for critical resources like pet food and supplies continues to grow, funds are needed to ensure that animal owners in under-served communities can continue to care for their beloved companions," reads the news release. "The Urgent Animal Care Fund will help ensure animals in our communities are safe should their families become ill, face financial hardship, or if they can’t access critical supplies and resources like food or veterinary care."
To support the local fund, visit urgentanimalcarefund.ca and select the Timmins & District Humane Society logo. Donations to the fund may also be made by phone at 705-264-1816.
