TORONTO (June 3, 2020) — As COVID-19 continues to severely impact peoples’ lives, Humane Society International/Canada and Friends of HSI have launched the COVID-19 Animal Response Program in Toronto with generous support from the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation.
The program is providing critical assistance to those in the Toronto area who are in urgent need of help in caring for their companion animals as a result of this crisis. Specifically, the program will carry out the following:
- Deliveries of companion animal food and veterinary supplies to individuals in need (who are contending with reduced mobility, quarantine or lost income).
- Provision of pet food to community members through central distribution sites in the GTA, including food banks and community service organizations.
- Transport of animals in need of urgent veterinary services.
- Coordination of emergency animal care to assist hospitalized individuals and those placed in emergency housing (such as people experiencing homelessness).
Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of HSI/Canada, stated: “This pandemic will have profound and far reaching impacts on animal welfare, and we are here to help mitigate the effects as much as possible. Our COVID-19 Animal ResponseProgram will help keep companion animals in their homes throughout this crisis by providing supplies and assistance to people with animals in need.”
HSI/Canada and Friends of HSI are grateful to the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation, which has made this program possible, as well as Rolf C. Hagen Inc., Kane Veterinary Supplies, The Great Canadian Dog Food and True Pure Choice companies, whose donations of pet food will help countless animals in the coming weeks.
Members of the Toronto – GTA public impacted by COVID-19 and in need of urgent assistance in caring for their companion animals are encouraged to reach out by email at: [email protected] or by phone at: 647-215-5082.