The executive director of the Sarnia and District Humane Society is calling it an "unfortunate" situation in which more people are surrendering their pets because they can't afford to keep them.
Donna Pyette said they've been seeing more animals come into the shelter since the COVID-19 pandemic ended and are consistently running out of room.
"It hasn't plateaued at all. If anything, we're starting to see many more surrenders now. The main reason for that is the current economy," Pyette told Sarnia News Today. "People just don't have the money to live themselves, let alone live themselves and support what an animal needs."
She said the number one struggle seems to be veterinary costs.
The agency organizes affordable clinics each year and is currently working on next year's schedule. Last year, nearly 1,300 animals were serviced, and of the two held this year, approximately 400 were checked.
During a recent Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K meeting, Pyette also said over 500 animals were spayed or neutered this year through a program subsidized by private donors and businesses.
The cost of pet food is also a struggle for some families. "Just to put it into perspective, towards the end of [November], we received probably 20 to 30 calls a day for people asking if we could help with pet food," Pyette said. "We're definitely seeing in this community, the need is far greater than it was even just a few years ago. But we continue to strive to help where we can, to be able to help people keep their pets at home."
The non-profit shelter provides care and safe refuge to over 3,000 animals each year.
Pyette said surrender capacity is up 65 per cent compared to last year.
"Currently, I would say we probably have 100 animals -- both dogs and cats -- on our surrender list at any given day of the week. Our facility is typically full at all times," she said.
Space in foster care is also limited. Pyette said they currently have about 77 foster families and they are at about 80 per cent capacity.
"Hopefully nothing big happens because we have a lot of animals -- kittens, mums, puppies, mums, animals who have had surgeries that need a little bit more time," she said. "Unsocialized animals that come into our care are the predominant number of what's in our fosters."
In cases where the shelter runs out of space, Pyette said the agency relies on support from kennels, shelters in other areas, foster families, and staff. They do not euthanize animals due to a lack of space.
The non-profit also oversees other programs to address the cat population in Sarnia-Lambton. Pyette said about 70 cats were spayed/neutered in one day as part of the barn cat program.
Those interested in supporting the agency can volunteer or provide donations of cash, food, toys, towels, and bed sheets. The humane society heavily relies on fundraising, donations, and short-term grants.
Meanwhile, Pawsitively Furever Dog Rescue is asking Lambton County residents to consider volunteering to foster dogs from across Ontario, Canada, and the United States.
Spokesperson Taryn Tessier said Pawsitively Furever Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization centrally located in the Kitchener/ GTA area. However, fosters and volunteers span from Chatham to Ottawa, with a few in Quebec.
The organization is also asking for puppy food donations and pet supplies to support the number of dogs in their care. Those interested can contact the rescue at (519)312-3773 or by emailing info@pawsitivelyfurever.ca.
-With files from Jessica Munday
