As wildfires keep burning in northwestern Ontario, it’s not just people who are leaving their homes.
Northern Reach Network, a volunteer-run pet rescue group, has seen a surge of pets from owners escaping the flames, and on Friday night they’re sending around 120 animals to foster homes in southern Ontario.
Paul Bishop serves on the board and coordinates fundraising for Northern Reach Network in Thunder Bay. He mentions that they’ve taken in hundreds of pets because many people have been forced from their homes without much warning.
The rescue currently cares for about 20 to 30 pets with “a bunch more on the way,” said Bishop.
He explains that some pet owners weren’t allowed to bring their animals on planes during evacuation, while others can’t keep them at hotels. Northern Reach Network is stepping in to help relocate these animals that were left behind and find them temporary foster homes.
Northern Reach Network collaborates with Safe Paws Animal Rescue, which operates in the Waterloo region.
“So the output over there has been phenomenal as well,” Bishop shared regarding how quickly people in Waterloo region have submitted foster applications.
He noted they’re sorting through all the applications for foster care. Just today, the pet rescue received over 290 applications.
“It is taking some time just because there’s such a huge outpour of support from down in Waterloo [region] and surrounding areas.”
Bishop pointed out other ways people can contribute, like donating funds or purchasing items from Northern Reach Network’s Amazon wish list.
“We are going through supplies so fast right now. So even that would help tremendously.”
He mentioned volunteers are heading to Thunder Bay to assist in setting up a temporary vet clinic for all displaced animals. The clinic will be free for families, “because that’s not something they should have to burden with everything else that’s going on currently,” said Bishop.
At this point, Bishop isn’t sure how long pets will stay with their foster families. “It could be a couple days, it could be a couple weeks, it could be a month.”
He says volunteers are keeping track of which pet belongs to which owner and providing owners with information about their foster homes.
Although most of the pets being rescued are dogs and cats, Bishop stated they won’t turn away any animals. “We will find a solution for anything that is brought to our attention.”
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