Could you leave your pet behind in a crisis?
It’s the reality the clients of our Crisis Care Program face. Many crisis centres cannot take pets and people in crisis don’t always have a support system in place to help with their pets.
And this is where the One Family Welfare department of the Alberta SPCA steps in to help. We bridge the gap between animal services and human services.
When people are in crisis, their pets are too. The clients of our programs are unable to focus on their own safety and security until they know their companion animal(s) are safe and secure as well.
Be the Lifeline for Pets and People in Crisis
Our clients come from all walks-of-life and often have little in common, except they are in crisis, they love their pets, and they need your help.
Your generous gift today can be transformative for families in crisis. Because we believe that pets are family, and we’re sure you feel the same.
Please consider helping us to reach our goal of $75,000 to help change the lives of pets and people in crisis.
We are deeply grateful for your support
Ziggy and Carol’s Story
For many years Ziggy, a beloved Shih Tzu, was Carol’s only true companion. In the fall of 2020 right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carol, a senior with low income was evicted due to non-payment of rent. Unfortunately, eviction is a reality for many low income Albertans.
A helping hand from you will keep families together and safe
In Carol’s situation, while she was on social assistance she could not find subsidized housing and the rental fees took up all of her income. She could not afford to eat and pay rent so she became homeless.
Carol was able to find a friend that allowed her to temporarily stay in an apartment but it was not pet friendly. Carol had a place to go but Ziggy did not.
Ziggy was accepted to the Crisis Care Program and was able to stay in a safe temporary accommodation until Carol was able to figure out next steps.
For the next several weeks the Pet Safekeeping Coordinator kept in touch with Carol to provide support, community referrals, and of course updates on her beloved Ziggy. After many false starts and disappointments Carol was able to come up with a plan of action – she decided to relocate to the USA with Ziggy.
Carol was taken in by a family member in the Unites States. The trip home however, would not be without hiccups. Ziggy’s discharge date was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, and because Carol’s flight was postponed and her COVID-19 testing was delayed.
Rather than letting Carol deal with this stressful situation alone, the Pet Safekeeping Coordinator provided support and reassurance to both Carol and her family member in the USA.
Eventually Carol and Ziggy made it to the airport and had a successful flight home.
We are only able to help pets in crisis, because of your generous support. Please give generously today to help families like Ziggy and Carol stay together through crisis and beyond.
When People are in Crisis, Their Pets are Too
