Nova Scotia SPCA struggling to keep up with pet surrenders
Posted Sep 7, 2023 07:01:55 AM.
Last Updated Sep 7, 2023 01:34:26 PM.
The Nova Scotia SPCA says it is dealing with a big increase of people surrendering their pets and now, its facilities are running out of room.
The organization points to the rising cost of living as one of the factors.
As the provincial director of animal care for the Nova Scotia SPCA tells CityNews Halifax, other factors include a difficult rental market and recent floods and wildfires.
“In most cases, most people aren’t looking to surrender their pets,” says Sandra Flemming. “Due to some of the reasons I have mentioned, they just can’t afford to care for them anymore or they can’t find housing to allow them to continue to keep them.”
Flemming says the SPCA has had to triage shelter requests because it’s running out of space across the province.
She adds there is support if people are struggling to cover the cost of caring for animals, such as the organization’s pet pantry.
“We definitely would love people to contact us if they are struggling to afford food and things like litter for their animals,” Flemming adds. “We want these people to keep their pets.”
If people are thinking of adopting an animal and are in a position to do so, Flemming recommends people visit their nearest SPCA facility in Nova Scotia.
