Lydia contacted One Family Welfare in an emotional state because her father was hospitalized and no one in the family was able to look after his cat Charlie. Greg (her father) was emotionally attached to Charlie and was unable to focus on his health recovery until he knew his cat would be okay.
To make matters worse, Greg was diagnosed with COVID-19 while in the hospital. Charlie was quickly placed in our Crisis Care Program so the family could focus on Greg’s recovery, knowing Charlie was safe.
This story is not unique.
When in crisis, pet owners are often unable to focus on their own mental and physical wellbeing until they know that their companion animal will be safe. The Crisis Care Program provides reprieve to pet owners dealing with a life-changing event that impedes on their ability to care for their companion animal(s).
The Alberta SPCA’s Crisis Care Program was launched in 2019. This program is designed for individuals that have run out of safe options, it is a last resort program for individuals experiencing crisis and are unable to care for their animals temporarily.
Refuge should be available to everyone.