Companions for Change: Our mission to support pets in need across Canada

Filling in gaps

“One of the biggest things that people aren't aware of is that the Nova Scotia SPCA does not receive any government funding for shelters,” says Taylor Huestis, the organization’s Communications and Development Officer.

“So important supplies like food and medicine are entirely covered by donations. Thankfully, we have amazing animal lovers and organizations like Pet Valu to help. A lot of our local Pet Valu stores fundraise throughout the year, and their leadership, staff, and customers are champions for our cause.”

Ultimately, says Huestis, the money that Pet Valu raises goes toward making sure that pets find and stay in loving, caring homes. “We have free progressive programs to help you in a crisis so you can feel confident your pet is well cared for, and focus on your own well being,” she explains.

“One example is our pet pantry,” she highlights. “Owners who cannot afford pet food or litter can pick them up completely contactless at any SPCA location. We also have the Pawsitive Support Program. If you're going into the hospital for treatment, fleeing domestic violence, or facing homelessness, we will foster your pet until you are in a safe, healthy space and can be reunited.”

Expanding scope

In Nova Scotia, the SPCA’s work reaches beyond the province’s borders, thanks to a $100,000 sponsorship from Pet Valu.

“During certain times of the year, we noticed there is a sharp decline in the number of homeless pets in the province,” Huestis says, “so we offer assistance to other animal welfare organizations throughout Canada, transporting hundreds of pets in the past few years. The needs of local animals always, always, always comes first. But we often have a greater ability to help.”

Wanting to expand capacity to care for more animals, the Nova Scotia SPCA used its sponsorship to invest in an advanced animal transport vehicle, which was custom-designed for pet safety and comfort.

“When space and resources allow,” says Huestis, “we can safely bring pets into Nova Scotia from approved shelters in the United States that struggle with homeless pet overpopulation.”

“Through the transport program, we are raising and setting high ethical standards like mandatory vaccinations, heartworm testing, veterinary checks prior to transport, behavioural requirements and evaluations, mandatory rest periods, strong and secure kennels and veterinary care provided before and after the transport.”

Huestis notes that before they had the specialized transport vehicle, the organization just used vans. “It really did limit the amount of animals that were able to be transported throughout the province, and we weren't able to launch the international pet transport program.”

To date, Pet Valu has helped to transport more than 200 animals — and that’s just in Nova Scotia.

Enhancing operations

Liam Cullen, the Executive Director at the North Bay and District Humane Society, says that Pet Valu has helped them cover the cost of new support vehicles and infrastructure.

“In 2018 there were talks about our Pet Valu Animal Rescue Express, the truck and trailer that we use to transfer pets throughout the province. When we kicked that off, it was just so wonderful to be able to work with our friends to make that project become a reality, to have the truck and trailer out on the road and to have people recognize us as we're driving down the street,” Cullen recalls.

He goes on to note, “When the vision came for the Pet Adoption and Wellness Centre, it was a natural fit to reach out to Pet Valu to see if they'd be interested in helping us out again. We're so grateful to our friends for helping to make this dream become a reality.”

In September 2022, Pet Valu gave the North Bay and District Humane Society $250,000 to support the construction cost of the 3,200-sq. ft. building.

Janet Bredin, the shelter manager for the North Bay and District Humane Society, says her organization’s rescue programs wouldn’t be possible without the support they receive from Pet Valu.

“They're supporting a lot of agencies, but the support that they've given us has really allowed us to come into our own. Doing these rescue and relief programs would not have been possible without the support of Pet Valu [and] our new wellness and adoption centre is being built in part because of Pet Valu.”