The Georgian Triangle Humane Society has reported a staggering 144% rise in pet surrenders over the past few years, primarily due to the soaring cost of living, which makes it hard for individuals to care for their pets.
Karen Marsh, the executive director of the society, states that the demand for their services has become incredibly high from various sources.
Marsh informed Global News that the shelter in Collingwood, Ontario, currently has a waiting list for those wishing to surrender their pets, and there’s also a significant need for veterinary care, pet food, and other essentials.
“People are facing immense difficulties regarding the costs associated with veterinary care and housing, especially finding pet-friendly accommodations. Many are going through a temporary crisis,” she explained.
This humane society was intended to care for 500 animals annually but is now supporting around 4,000 each year.
“We are overwhelmed. We have dogs and cats recovering from surgeries in hallways due to a lack of space. We run various popular youth programs, but we lack the facilities to accommodate children eager to experience the joy of the human-animal bond,” remarked Marsh.
Animals are recuperating in hallways post-surgery at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society because of space constraints.
Supplied by Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Unlike many shelters requiring permanent pet surrenders, the Georgian Triangle allows individuals to temporarily surrender their pets for up to three months.
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The shelter also provides a pet food bank for clients struggling to afford food, ensuring they can keep their pets at home.
Marsh explained this service is crucial for those who encounter financial hardships or health issues that prevent them from caring for their pets.
“We believe that everyone deserves to have a pet. Just because someone faces temporary challenges doesn’t mean they should have to surrender their animal,” she stated.
She highlighted the unique and essential bond that exists between people and their pets, which benefits both parties.
The prevailing high cost of living continues to exacerbate these difficulties for many.
“We are in a crisis regarding our capacity, and we are exploring all possible solutions,” Marsh noted.
To manage the situation, many shelter staff temporarily foster animals in their homes until space opens up.
“Sometimes emergencies arise so urgently that we take the animals immediately, even if we have no space available at that moment, but we always find a solution,” Marsh said.
Despite the overwhelming demand for their services, Marsh feels it’s better than the alternative.
“There are many traditional ways people have dealt with unwanted animals, so we’re glad they approach us. However, it’s disheartening to have to turn them away because we lack the capacity,” Marsh said.
To address the increasing demand for its services, the shelter is planning to construct a new, modern facility.
Rendering of the new Regional Centre for Pets and People by the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, which is set to begin construction soon.
Supplied by Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Rendering of the new Regional Centre for Pets and People by the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, set to begin construction soon.
Supplied by Georgian Triangle Humane Society
The new 19,000-square-foot animal center will be built on five acres of secure land, significantly enhancing the humane society’s ability to care for animals and facilitate connections between people and pets.
With more capacity to provide vital services, the organization aims to offer genuine hope to the pets and individuals seeking their help.
Construction for the Regional Centre for Pets and People, designed to expand the GTHS’s influence, is expected to begin in early July.
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