Humane society forced to turn away 8 pets from program due to lack of volunteers

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is putting out an urgent plea for volunteers after this past week saw some pets turned away from one of its programs.

According to the organization, it needs to add 30 people to the Sheltering Animals from Emergencies (SAFE) program immediately. It provides temporary shelter for pets whose owners are in crisis.

“This week alone, we had to turn away eight pets from SAFE because we don’t have enough volunteers.” said Debbie King, OHS Manager: Veterinary Social Work. “The shelter’s population is rising and many of our foster volunteers already have another animal in their care.”

Pets in the SAFE program could stay in the organization’s care for a few weeks or months, depending on the owner’s needs. The foster volunteers make the longer placements possible and provides one-on-one care in their homes.

“The shelter’s population is rising and many of our foster volunteers already have another animal in their care,” King said.

One of the groups in Ottawa using the program the most is isolated seniors who don’t have a support network. Sometimes they are facing short-term hospitalization or can’t arrange for someone to care for their pet.

“Without SAFE, our clients might have had to make the difficult decision to surrender their pet because of a temporary hardship,” Sharon Miko, OHS President and CEO, said. “SAFE supports the well-being of the person and makes sure the pet can go home once the crisis has passed.”

The shelter’s population naturally jumps in the spring and summer months with the increase in litters. There are more kittens, wildlife and stray dogs needing care, meaning resources are already stretched thin.

Some specific requirements for volunteers needed right now are for people to take on larger dog placements and that have no other dogs in the home. Food and supplies is provided.

More information on becoming a SAFE volunteer can be found on the OHS website.