Edmonton animal shelter feeling continued strain of COVID-19 pandemic
Posted January 12, 2022 11:44 am.
Last Updated January 12, 2022 2:34 pm.
A private animal shelter in Edmonton that provides homes for animals says it continues to feel the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pam Jansen, the founder of Companion Animal Welfare Society (CAWS) says a combination of decrease in funding and fewer resources is putting a strain on the organization.
“We did find space, we’ve doing renovations, and then in October-November, we ended up with about $25,000 in veterinary expenses we were not expecting,” said Jansen.
“We’re seeing an increase in mental-health issues and some of it does have to do with the impact of COVID, and people, how they’re responding to COVID and needing some help, so we did have some intakes for that.”
CAWS has recently taken over a spay-and-neuter program for Maskwacis First Nation, which has further impacted resources. Like many donation-funded charities, contributions are down.
Last week, Edmonton Animal Care & Control said it would cease intake of healthy animals as COVID has affected staffing levels.
Jansen says they will work with the city to cover some of that intake.
The Edmonton Human Society says it has the systems in place to prevent strain on intake.
“Prioritize which animal needs us most, and also identify in some cases where we can provide an alternative to intake,” said Kylie Adams of EHS. “Because if we can prevent an animal from having to come into out care in the first place, helping animals in the community too, reuniting them with a lost pet.
“The more we can do to help keep animals out of shelter, will help benefit everybody.”
