If you’re struggling to make ends meet the Nova Scotia SPCA wants you to know they’re here to help.
Director of Animal Care Sandra Flemming tells our newsroom as Nova Scotians grapple with the rising costs of living, demand for their services is up.
She says their pet pantry, in particular, is being accessed now more than ever.
“All six of our shelters have a pet pantry, which is a great place to go if you need assistance with pet food or litter,” Flemming says.
She adds it’s a way for people to get a little extra support in between paychecks.
Flemming says the biggest thing is for Nova Scotians to know the SPCA is there to help in times of need.
All you have to do is pick up the phone.
“It’s really about reaching out, being honest about what the problem is. And if it’s bad, you know, let us know,” Flemming explains.
Although the pandemic has had an impact on demand for their services, the SPCA has not seen an uptick in the number of pets being surrendered to the shelter.
Flemming estimates their intake levels are pretty much the same as they were in 2019. This comes as many shelters in Canada have announced they’re seeing the numbers rise as people drop off pandemic pets due to easing restrictions and a return to the office and travel.
SPCA services aim to keep families and their pets together
The goal is to keep families and their pets together with the services offered through the SPCA, according to Flemming.
She says in addition to the pet pantry, you can get veterinary support, and access spay and neutering services.
The SPCA operates three animal hospitals and clinics in Dartmouth, Yarmouth and Sydney, Cape Breton. The services are available to low-income individuals and families. You can also access low-cost spay and neuter programs.
The organization also offers the Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies Program, better known as the P.U.P. Program, to Nova Scotians. They will fix your female dog or cat for free and fully vet and find loving homes for their puppies or kittens.
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There are also palliative care services to help pets as they age. Flemming says this service is hard for the organization financially as it can be expensive to help senior pets with high medical needs. But they are a no-kill shelter focused on ensuring animals live their lives to the fullest, especially in their later years.
“The palliative care program, for instance, allows us to keep the animal in a permanent foster home, and then we cover the medical costs associated with it,” Flemming explains.
On average, the SPCA sees 6,000 animals each year that require spay and neuter surgeries.
“It’s a lot of animals that we care for every year,” Flemming says. “So we do a great job. We have an amazing staff, we have amazing volunteers and foster homes that helped us with the heavy lifting, but there are still hard costs associated with the care that we provide.”
How you can help give back
The Nova Scotia SPCA relies on donations to help the community. It is not funded by the government.
Flemming says it’s really important for Nova Scotians to know that. She says they are able to give back because of the donations and community support they receive.
You can make a donation online.
Lion is a 9-week-old kitten available through the NS SPCA. (SOURCE: novascotiaspca.ca)
Flemming adds it’s also a great season if you’re looking to add a new furry friend to the family.
“We’re in kitten season,” Flemming says. “So for people who are looking for kittens. They are definitely starting to head onto the adoption floor and are in our shelters across the province as well. And they bring great joy! I’m fostering one myself right now. I’m quite enjoying having him at my house. He brings a smile to our faces.”
Flemming reminds us not to fear reaching out for help, especially during difficult times.
“Our goal is to keep animals in their homes with the people that love them.”
