A British Columbia charity is calling for volunteers to take in and care for animals while their owners deal with difficult personal issues.
Paws for hope offers temporary fostering of animals in times of crisis, but they told Global News they are forced to consistently turn away people and their pets.
“In the month of November, for example, we fostered 14 animals but turned down 48 applications,” said Kathy Powelson, executive director of the Paws for Hope Animal Foundation.
She said they need to say no to people in vulnerable situations.
“A few weeks ago, I received a heartbreaking phone call from a woman with two dogs who was trying to get out of her abusive situation…and we couldn’t help her,” Powelson said.
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She told Global News earlier this year that they see similar challenges among people seeking addiction treatment and they have nowhere to take their pet while they get better.
The aid shortage comes at a desperate time.
“They often witness the violence that their abusive partner inflicts on their pets,” said Angela Marie MacDougall of Battered Women’s Support Services.
“So often women decide to stay, not leave an abusive relationship, because they want to make sure their pet is safe. »
Animal shelters are in many cases operating over capacity and options are slim.
For anyone wishing to welcome a pet, the foundation covers the maintenance, food and veterinary care of the animal.
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