The ongoing wildfires in Jasper have not only impacted humans but also their beloved pets. In a heartwarming display of community support, the Hinton and District SPCA Animal Care Centre has stepped up to provide temporary housing for numerous pets from Jasper free of charge until their owners can return home or make other arrangements.
Cathy Thomas, the fundraising and special projects coordinator at the Hinton SPCA, shared that the Municipality of Jasper’s bylaw enforcement contacted them on the night of the evacuation to seek assistance for housing pets. Initially, they were asked to take in one dog, three cats, and a bird. However, as the situation unfolded, more pets were brought to the care centre for shelter.
As of August 2nd, the Hinton SPCA had taken in a total of 21 cats, one dog, four birds, two snails, two snakes, and four fish. The staff had to get creative with space allocation, repurposing rooms to accommodate the various animals. Despite the challenges, the team at the Hinton SPCA was dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all the evacuated pets.
While some pets have been reunited with their owners, many are still in the care of the SPCA as their owners are unable to house them at the moment. Lendy McLeod, a board member at the Hinton SPCA, highlighted the difficulties faced by pet owners in finding suitable housing during such emergencies. The SPCA has reassured pet owners that their furry friends will be cared for free of charge until they can be safely returned.
The outpouring of support from the community has been remarkable, with many individuals offering assistance and donations to help the SPCA in their efforts. The Hinton SPCA continues to provide updates on their website for those interested in donating or volunteering to support the cause.
For pet owners who still have animals at their evacuated residences in Jasper, an online pet rescue form is available on the Municipality of Jasper’s website. This form allows owners to provide information about their pets and request assistance in rescuing them from the affected areas.
In times of crisis, it is heartening to see communities come together to support both humans and animals in need. The Hinton and District SPCA’s dedication to caring for evacuated pets from Jasper is a shining example of compassion and solidarity during challenging times.
