Humane society seeks animal fosters ahead of potential surge in pet surrenders
The Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM) is searching for fosters as they prepare for a potential surge in animal surrenders first seen in shelters across the U.S.
Steve Ryall, HSLM executive director, says the shelter only takes in surrenders.
“We do not judge and we will always find a home for every animal.”
HSLM is currently housing 230 animals including dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits, snakes and more.
At the height of the pandemic, many people sought out furry friends for companionship when working from home.
“Generally, we would have seen 25 applications for an animal…it probably doubled and maybe even tripled in some cases.”
But now a portion of those people are returning to work for the first time in 18 months.
Ryall says this shift is to blame for a recent uptick in animal surrenders first seen in shelters south of the border.
“What is happening in the United States is they are seeing a lot of animals being surrendered as people are going back to work and do not have the time for that animal…Through some surveys that Humane Canada conducted, we aren’t seeing it happening here yet in Canada but here at HSLM, we are preparing for that possibility.”
A sign encouraging support of the Humane Society London and Middlesex is seen in London, Ont. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. (Jordyn Read / CTV News)
Ryall says the best way to deal with a potential surge in surrenders is to recruit more fosters, which are people who take in animals for a temporary period until they find their forever homes.
“Maybe take some of the animals that are with us longer term and start putting them in foster care so we can accept more animals. Honestly the cages are full here, that’s why we need to grow our foster program.”
Mackenzie Landers has been fostering animals for more than a year, she calls the experience a rewarding one.
“I have always just loved animals and I find it really rewarding to give them the best possible chance that they have. Sometimes they come from bad situations and you don’t know what they have been through, but giving them a loving, comforting home is really rewarding.”
Ryall is searching for any new foster friends who could help, adding that the foster program is flexible.
He says he and his team will take all the help they can get to make room for more animals.
“We are always happy to see animals come in because we know they are in our care - happy and sad when they leave because we connect with them. But we are happy for them and their future.”
If you’re interested in fostering an animal at HSLM, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.