THUNDER BAY — Multiple wildfires spreading across Ontario have forced community members in northern reserves to evacuate — and seek help for their animal companions.
Northern Reach Rescue Network, a local rescue is working with volunteers in fly-in communities to bring dogs and cats to the city for temporary fostering or urgent veterinary care.
“People in First Nations love their animals and they don't want to leave them behind,” said Judi Cannon, lead coordinator for Matawa's Animal Wellness Services.
In the beginning of May wildfires started west of Atikokan, since then multiple severe fires have started and are currently on-going within Ontario. Deer Lake and Webequie First Nations are currently under evacuation.
Animals evacuated to Thunder Bay for temporary respite services are given veterinary care, any necessities they may need and sent home, while stray animals will receive the same care and then be sent to southern Ontario for adoption, said Amie Kempe president for Northern Reach Network.
Kempe said the main issue is that evacuation plans don’t include animals, forcing some community members to stay behind.
Upwards of 100 cats and dogs are currently waiting for plane tickets to Thunder Bay, several volunteers including a nurse and teacher will care for the animals until then, she said.
“Right now, we are trying to support the community members that reach out to us as best as possible,” she said.
Despite the ongoing forest fires northern dogs have remained calm during plane rides, showing little signs of stress said Kempe.
“Their animals are used to travel,” she said. “Plane travel isn't as hard as it sounds.”
Kempe said that animals who are stressed during travel will receive additional support in the form of supplements or medication through Thunder Bay veterinarians, or a web-based service called smartvet.
Northern Reach Rescue Network is asking the public to help with monetary donationa or supplies. A lack of travel carriers and dog food limits the amount of outreach support they can provide said Kempe.
“By donating $150 you can save a mom and her puppies,” she said.
Anyone over the age of 18 in Thunder Bay looking to foster an evacuated pet today can find more information here.
