Animal rescue organizations are struggling with burnout and mounting pressure to find suitable homes for adoptable pets.
Meant 2B Loved pet rescue in Cranbrook is temporarily pausing the intake of animals, as is Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), as each organization struggles with an influx of surrendered animals.
Meant 2B Loved is an entirely volunteer-run pet rescue society that operates across the East Kootenay region. It takes in surrendered animals with the goal of finding foster and permanent homes.
Board member Stacie Johnson says that since the pandemic has slowed, so have adoption and foster rates. The society has made the tough decision to stop taking in animals since members have exhausted all of their resources.
B次元官网网址淭his is not a decision that weB次元官网网址檝e made lightly by any means. WeB次元官网网址檝e had a huge increase in local surrenders and the amount of suitable fosters we have has dropped right down,B次元官网网址� Johnson said. B次元官网网址淲e had a surplus of fosters and adopters during COVID, when everyone was home, and now it is the opposite.B次元官网网址�
Deanna Thompson, Executive Director of AARCS said her organization is facing similar challenges.
B次元官网网址淓very shelter and rescue is feeling it,B次元官网网址� Thompson said. B次元官网网址淲e saw a 200 per cent increase in adoption applications in 2020 compared to 2019, and families came in droves to foster pets. By August 2022, not only have we gone back to pre-COVID numbers, but we are seeing a further decrease in applications from 2019.
B次元官网网址淧eople returning to work, or a change of life they couldnB次元官网网址檛 see coming, including the effects inflation, are forcing people to give up their pets at higher rates. We are also seeing behavioural concerns with dogs that grew up during the pandemic who are under-socialized, requiring extensive and time-consuming rehabilitation.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淐ouple that with an increase in animals in need, and weB次元官网网址檝e hit a capacity within the animal welfare system that we havenB次元官网网址檛 seen in years.B次元官网网址�
One of the best ways to help, Johnson said, is to donate to your local rescue society.
B次元官网网址淲e are so grateful to our current fosters who have been so patient with us and the animals. And to the other organizations that have helped us out as well,B次元官网网址� Johnson said.
Meanwhile, a parallel shortage of available veterinary care could result in some animals not being spayed or neutered.
B次元官网网址淭his could produce unwanted offspring or contribute to surrenders if people cannot afford veterinary care,B次元官网网址� Thompson said.
Johnson said part of their reason for suspending intakes is to ensure they arenB次元官网网址檛 overwhelming vets. She hopes the pause can be lifted in 4-6 weeks, adding that board members face verbal abuse and mounting anxiety.
B次元官网网址淲e rescue animals, thatB次元官网网址檚 our number one priority - making sure they are healthy, and finding them a good home.B次元官网网址�
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corey.bullock@cranbrooktownsman.com
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