Alberta animal rescues struggling with surge of pets and increased costs

It’s a packed house at ZOE’s Animal Rescue Society, with vacancies quickly drying up. Surrender requests are coming in at high rates, as donations are dwindling, leaving them struggling to keep up.

“We’ve been around for almost 11 years and I think this is the worst year we have ever dealt with,” says Kath Oltsher, the co-founder.

ZOE’s Animal Rescue Society does more than find forever homes for animals. They offer free and low-cost spaying and neutering services, as well as help pet owners access low-cost vet care.

But due to the challenges the organization is facing they are putting a hold on those programs.

“Right now we are seeing a drop in funding, and almost all of our funding comes from donations. But that’s the big problem, this economy is hitting everyone hard, and it is hitting everyone hard who usually supports us,” says Oltsher.

So far this year, ZOE’s Animal Rescue Society helped 373 pets find their forever homes, yet they’re seeing fewer pets being adopted out. The rescue dropped and reduced their adoption fees to try and help find pets in their care forever homes.

“This is the first time in our history that we are offering cats without an adoption fee. Ever. We have never done that. We’re also offering reduced adoption fees for puppies, so even that small stream of income is drying up. It’s tough,” Oltsher says.

Meanwhile, the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) says they are nearly at capacity with surrendered pets, and are starting to see more animals brought in that were found outside in the cold elements.

“We’re starting to feel the winter coming on as well, which is something we see at this time of year, but with it being so full throughout the last few months it’s definitely been challenging trying to find some space for these guys as well,” says Leigh Mclean, the operations manager at AARCS.

Despite the many challenges, both rescues say they see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“There’s always going to be stuff that comes up, but as a rescue, that’s our job, that’s why we’re here, so we’re always open to taking it as it goes and to keep moving forward,” Mclean says.

Both animal rescues say they are desperately in need of fosters.