RESOURCES FOR PET GUARDIANS

Losing a pet can be stressful both us and our animals. Animals who are lost inside the City of Edmonton limits first arrive at the Animal Care & Control Center and those found outside of the City limits may come to the Edmonton Humane Society. Visit our lost pet page to start your search or to help someone on theirs, as well as learn about other ways you can help pets who may be lost.

• EHS Lost Pets Page & Resources 

You can find additional tips and guidance from the City of Edmonton by visiting the page linked below.

• City of Edmonton – Lost Pet Resources 

We understand that finding a rental property that accepts pets can be a challenge so we’ve put together a full PDF guide for you to download. This document is full of useful information, advice and links for anyone looking to rent with their animal companion.

• EHS Guide for Renting with Pets

• Inquire at your veterinary clinic about payment options or plans.
• Ask friends or family members for assistance.
• Consider financing through Petcard
• Many VCA Canada Veterinary Centres have a financing option through PayBright and recommended pet insurance providers.
• Search for personal lending organizations that help with pet care/veterinary loans.

We also highly recommend checking out pet insurance options to help cover the costs of unexpected veterinary care in the future.

The following food banks and organizations help to provide pet food supplies:

*Note: if you are viewing on mobile, you may need to scroll right on the below table to see the contact details for each food bank.

The below food banks for people may also have some supplies for pets. We recommend calling in advance to check supplies.

*Note: if you are viewing on mobile, you may need to scroll right on the below table to see the contact details for each food bank.

Being prepared for an emergency in advanced will give you peace of mind that both you and your pets will have what you need in the event of a crisis.

It is recommended that you have 14 days worth of supplies. Prepare following these steps:

• Food & Water: Non-perishable foods are best and recommended to be kept in airtight and waterproof containers. Also ensure you have enough water for yourself, family, and pets.
• Medicines & Medical Records: Important medicines and health records should be kept in a waterproof container. Prepare a document that outlines feeding and any medication instructions for your pet. Include copies of up-to-date vaccination records, in case your pet needs to be housed at a boarding facility temporarily.
• First Aid Kit: Work with your veterinarian to determine what these supplies may include for your pet. Standard kits often include: cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; medical gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a standard and pet first aid reference book
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Permanent identification such as microchips, tattoos, and database registration (e.g. pet licensing through your local animal control) are always recommended. Additionally, pets should always wear a collar with ID tags and current vaccinations. Keeping a backup of these items in your supplies along with any pet registration, medical records, and recent photo can be helpful if you become separated.
• Crate or other pet carrier: A carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down in will aid in their safety and comfort. Be proactive and ensure your pet is trained to comfortably enter and stay in a kennel for a period of time.
• Sanitation: Include litter and box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and cleaning supplies such as pure chlorine bleach without scents, added cleaners, or marked as color safe. Bleach can be used as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach) as well as to purify water in an emergency (16 drops to one gallon of water)
• Familiar Items: Favourite toys, treats, or bedding will help reduce stress for your pet.

• Gather information: Ensure you gather as much information as possible and listen to the advice of local authorities, trusted media sources and follow all recommendations if told to evacuate, shelter-in-place, or seek medical treatment.
• Speak to your local veterinarians: Not just for the types of items to include in your kit for your pets but also seek information on possible shelters and services that your pet might need in an emergency. Have a list of resources handy in your kit and also pick up a sticker or note for your home that indicates the number of and type of pets in your home for authorities, in case it isn’t practical to take them with you (for example, if you are taken to hospital so your emergency pet caregiver should be contacted).
• Plan for where you or your pets may need to go: In case you’re unable to care for your pet due to an emergency, make a list of family, friends, kennels or boarding facilities where your pet could possibly go. Speak with these possible caregivers in advance so they have all the necessary details should anything happen.
• Secure your kit and assign buddies: Having your kit in a designated location and roles for family members can help save valuable time in an emergency. Assigning jobs and buddies helps give a sense of purpose and focus during times of uncertainty. Buddies can also be neighbors, friends, and relatives.

• Building your kit, having resources, as well as contact lists ready, and keeping informed of the most likely types of events in your region will help you navigate this difficult time. Review trusted information from government agencies about the types of events and seek out additional recommendations and resources to strengthen your plan.
• The more you can do to prepare for an emergency, the less you will have to worry about if the unthinkable happens. Planning for your pets makes sense. Get ready now.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the Government of Canada Get Prepared website.

The following programs are available in Alberta for those requiring emergency boarding for their pets:

• CAWS (Companion Animal Welfare Society) Guardian Angel Program – For those who are hospitalized or who are leaving situations of domestic violence and need care for their pets.
• Alberta SPCA Pet Safekeeping Program – For those who are leaving situations of domestic violence and need care for their pets

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the Government of Alberta also offers a 24-hour Family Violence Information Line with anonymous support at 310-1818, or find more information here.

Questions? Contact us.