• The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society has received $50,000 in Provincial emergency preparedness support.
  • The funding will aid in the purchase of four storage containers meant to house approximately 20,000 pounds of pet food.
  • The Ontario SPCA will also acquire 40 new transport crates to assist in emergency evacuations.
  • As part of Ontario’s $5 million Community Emergency Preparedness Grant program, they join 112 other grant recipients from across the province.
  • With Emergency Preparedness Week ongoing, the Ontario SPCA is also advocating for greater consideration of pets in emergency planning.
  • A contest is underway for community members who commit to emergency planning with their pets in mind, with 14 pet first aid kits offered as prizes.

 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has been providing care and compassion to animals in need for over 150 years. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, they depend on donations from the public to sustain their programming and services.

Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of the Ontario SPCA, expressed gratitude for the Provincial grant support. “With Ontario’s partnership, we are better equipped to support and care for our furry companions and their families when they need it most,” she said.

“The Ontario SPCA does fantastic work across the province, including right here in Stouffville where their provincial office is based, providing care and comfort to animals and finding them forever homes,” explained Whitchurch-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra in a press release. “This grant will help ensure they can continue with the meaningful contributions and support services they [provide.]”

The funding comes alongside the Ontario SPCA’s Emergency Preparedness Week campaign, which asks residents to develop emergency plans considerate of family pets. Such planning includes the establishment of emergency escape routes and survival kits to protect and support individuals and their beloved animals.

“We’re asking everyone who has a furry family member to promise to prepare,” stated Jennifer Bluhm, Ontario SPCA Vice President of Community Outreach Services. “By having an emergency plan and the necessary emergency supplies to shelter in place, you will be in a better position to help the ones you love, including your pets.”

Additional information is available on the Ontario SPCA website.

*Cover image courtesy of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society