In the wake of devastating wildfires sweeping across northern Saskatchewan, pet owners face the added burden of caring for their beloved animals while displaced from their homes. The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SaskSPCA) has stepped forward with crucial support, launching an emergency assistance program to provide essential pet supplies to evacuees who managed to bring their animals with them.
“When disaster strikes, the welfare of pets often becomes a secondary concern amid the chaos,” explains Melissa Skinner, Executive Director of SaskSPCA. “Yet for many evacuees, these animals represent family members and sources of comfort during traumatic times. Our goal is to eliminate one worry from their shoulders.”
The initiative, activated yesterday, offers free pet food, portable water dishes, collapsible kennels, and basic veterinary supplies to affected residents. Distribution centers have been established at evacuation shelters in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina, with mobile units reaching more remote gathering points.
The wildfires, exacerbated by unusually dry conditions and high winds, have forced over 3,000 residents to flee from communities including La Ronge, Air Ronge, and several First Nations territories. Provincial emergency management officials estimate that approximately 40% of evacuees brought pets with them, creating significant logistical challenges at emergency shelters.
“We’ve already distributed supplies to over 150 families since yesterday,” notes Trevor Wilson, emergency response coordinator for SaskSPCA. “Many arrived with nothing but their pets and the clothes on their backs. The relief on their faces when they realize they can properly care for their animals is profound.”
The organization has partnered with CO24 News to spread awareness about the program and mobilized over 60 volunteers to manage distribution. Local veterinarians have also volunteered their services, offering free wellness checks for evacuated animals showing signs of smoke inhalation or stress.
According to the Provincial Disaster Response Team, the current wildfire situation remains critical, with containment efforts hampered by persistent dry conditions. Evacuation orders may remain in effect for up to three weeks in the most severely impacted areas, creating extended hardship for displaced residents and their pets.
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Public Safety, James Corrigan, acknowledged the SaskSPCA’s contribution during yesterday’s press briefing: “The provincial government is grateful for organizations like SaskSPCA that recognize how integral pets are to family units during crisis situations. Their efforts complement our broader emergency response tremendously.”
For evacuees who had no choice but to leave pets behind, the SaskSPCA is coordinating with emergency services to document locations of abandoned animals and arrange welfare checks when safe entry is possible. A dedicated hotline has been established for evacuees to register pets left behind.
The organization is accepting donations of pet supplies or financial contributions through their website, with 100% of designated funds directly supporting the emergency relief effort. Local businesses across Canada have also begun collection drives, with pet supply stores offering matching donations.
As Saskatchewan faces one of its most challenging wildfire seasons in recent history, how might we better incorporate the needs of pets into our emergency preparedness plans, recognizing their importance to family resilience during disasters?
