As 180 wildfires continue to burn in B.C., more than 40,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, leaving behind their homes, their possessions and – depending upon how quickly they fled and where they were headed – sometimes even their pets behind. PetSmart and PetSmart Charities of Canada have announced their support and ways people can help the pets and pet parents affected, as well as the animal welfare agencies on the front lines, assisting in the wildfire crisis.
Emergency Relief Grants from PetSmart Charities of Canada Help Rescue and Reunite Pets & Pet Parents
PetSmart Charities of Canada is one of the nation’s leading funders of animal welfare. Over the past few days the charity has committed nearly $50,000 in emergency relief funding – which comes from generous pet parents who make donations at PetSmart stores – to support organizations like the City of Surrey’s Animal Resource Centre and the Prince George Humane Society who are working to provide food, shelter and veterinary care to pets evacuated from the fires or surrendered by pet parents who have been forced from their homes. These pets need a safe place to stay until they can be reunited with their pet parents. PetSmart Charities of Canada encourages animal welfare agencies in B.C. engaged in the wildfire relief efforts to apply for emergency relief funding online at www.petsmartcharities.ca/forprofessionals.
Pet Food and Supply Drives Underway in 13 British Columbia and Alberta PetSmart Stores
PetSmart stores in B.C. and Alberta are running pet food and supply drives to help collect essential items that will be donated to the Surrey Animal Resource Centre, the BC SPCA and its surrounding chapters, the Prince George Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations across the province. Much needed items like pet crates, beds, collars, litter, leashes, bowls, food and treats are being collected to help pet parents in evacuation centres and animal welfare workers to provide the essentials to help the pets in need.
Prince George’s Generous Groomers Donate Their Time to Shelter Pets
Four PetSmart groomers from the Prince George PetSmart store have been donating their time to bathe and groom pets at the Prince George Humane Society who have been rescued from the fires or surrendered to the shelter. PetSmart Associates are also volunteering their own time to assist the organization with the evacuated pets.
How You Can Help:
Residents of B.C. wishing to contribute may purchase and donate pet food and supplies at the 13 PetSmart stores in South Surrey, Surrey, Langley, Tsawwassen, Coquitlam, Kamloops and Prince George. In Alberta, PetSmart stores in the greater Calgary region are also collecting pet food and supplies to support their neighbouring province. Canadians outside the provinces of B.C. and Alberta can help PetSmart Charities of Canada by making a donation using the pin pads at the registers of every PetSmart store, or by going online to www.petsmartcharities.ca/donate. Donations will support PetSmart Charities of Canada’s mission to help end pet homelessness, in part by providing emergency relief grants to support pets impacted by natural disasters like the wildfires in B.C.
