The ongoing wildfires in Jasper have not only impacted humans but also their beloved pets. The Hinton and District SPCA Animal Care Centre has stepped up to provide temporary housing free of charge for numerous pets from Jasper until their owners can return home or find alternative accommodations.
Cathy Thomas, the fundraising and special projects coordinator at the Hinton SPCA, shared that the Municipality of Jasper’s bylaw enforcement reached out to 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 center for shelter.
As of August 2nd, the Hinton SPCA had taken in a variety of animals, including 21 cats, one dog, four birds, two snails, two snakes, and four fish. Due to privacy concerns, the names of the pets and their owners were not disclosed. The care center had to get creative with space to accommodate the influx of animals, repurposing rooms to house different species.
This isn’t the first time the Hinton SPCA has provided such assistance during a crisis. Last year, they housed pets evacuated from Edson due to wildfires, showing their commitment to helping animals in need during emergencies. Some pet owners may have been unable to retrieve their pets during the evacuation due to work commitments or time constraints, highlighting the importance of having a support system in place for such situations.
While some pets have been reunited with their owners, many are still waiting for their owners to find suitable housing where they can be accommodated. Lendy McLeod, a board member with the Hinton SPCA, emphasized the challenges faced by evacuees in finding housing that allows pets, making the situation complex and uncertain for both the animals and their owners.
The support from the community has been crucial in ensuring the well-being of the evacuated pets. The Hinton SPCA continues to offer their services free of charge, providing a safe haven for pets until their owners can provide a suitable living arrangement. Owners can reclaim their pets by showing identification, as the care center has been provided with owner information by the Municipality of Jasper.
For evacuees who still have pets at their residence in Jasper, they can submit an online pet rescue form to ensure the safety of their animals. Additionally, those interested in supporting the Hinton SPCA’s efforts can visit their website to explore donation options and contribute to the care of the evacuated pets.
In times of crisis, the compassion and dedication shown by organizations like the Hinton SPCA are truly commendable. By providing a lifeline for pets in need, they are not only ensuring the welfare of these animals but also offering peace of mind to their owners during challenging times.
