Introducing the HELP Tool: Supporting Pet Guardians and Keeping Pets at Home
At the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), we are committed to supporting both pets and their people in our community. We understand that many pet guardians face unexpected challenges that can put a strain on their ability to care for their beloved companion animals. That’s why we are excited to announce the launch of our new online HELP (Helping Every Loved Pet) Tool, designed to connect pet guardians with the resources they need to navigate common challenges and keep their pets at home.
Last year, we received over 2,000 requests to surrender a pet, and we expect a similar trend in 2024. While we’ve expanded our capacity to care for surrendered animals, there simply aren’t enough resources to meet the demand.
People are facing many unexpected challenges, especially with the rising cost of living, impacting their ability to care for their pets. We recognize this isn’t a problem that we can shelter our way out of. We need to address the root causes of these issues so families can stay together.
Liza Sunley
, CEO of the Edmonton Humane Society
Why the HELP Tool Matters
One of the most pressing reasons for pet surrender requests is housing instability, which has risen dramatically in recent years. Of the requests we’ve received in 2023 and 2024, 25% are related to housing issues. Other common reasons include behaviour challenges, allergies to pets and financial concerns.
With the HELP Tool, we are taking a proactive approach to support pet guardians where they need it most. By simply entering the type of pet and the specific challenge they are facing, guardians can access tailored recommendations and resources. Whether it’s connecting with a trainer for behaviour support, finding emergency boarding during times of crisis or exploring financial assistance options, the HELP Tool aims to make support easily accessible.
“Our goal is to make these resources easy to find and use, helping pet guardians navigate their challenges and discover solutions that allow them to keep their pets,” adds Sunley. “We’ve also expanded our team’s availability to provide support seven days a week, ensuring help is always within reach.”
A Step Toward a Brighter Future
The introduction of the HELP Tool is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to reduce the number of pets surrendered by addressing issues early on. While we recognize that there will still be cases where rehoming or surrendering a pet is the best option, our aim is to connect people with the right support and solutions sooner.
We invite all pet guardians in our community to explore the HELP Tool at edmontonhumanesociety.com/help. Together, we can work towards keeping pets with their families, ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to enrich the lives of pets and people in our community.