No One Evacuates Alone: How Our Community Supported the Pets in the Northwestern Ontario Wildfires
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When wildfires forced families across Northwestern Ontario to flee with little more than their pets, our community answered the call in less than 48 hours, filling out a truck bound for the dogs who needed it most.
The wildfires burning across Northwestern Ontario have displaced families and their pets, creating stress, uncertainty, and an increased need for emergency animal support. In the chaos of evacuation, many pets were left behind, while others fled with their families but without the basic items needed to keep them safe and cared for
When our friend Judi Cannon reached out on behalf of Northern Reach, a hub supporting communities affected by the wildfires in Northwestern Ontario, we knew we wanted to help.
We put out a call for urgently needed supplies, including plastic crates, large wire crates, collars, martingale collars, leashes of all sizes, and pee pads. In just 48 hours, our community filled an entire truck.
The supplies collected helped animals displaced by wildfires. Donations supported evacuees who have found temporary shelter with their pets, foster families who have opened their homes, and the rescue organizations working tirelessly to care for animals impacted by the fires. Every donated item helped keep these beloved animals safe, healthy, and cared for until they can return home.
Judi and the Northern Reach team picked up the donations on July 18th, first thing in the morning, so they could be transported north to the communities that need them most.
Keeping pets and people together during emergencies reduces stress for everyone involved and ensures animals receive the care they need, when they need it most. We're grateful to everyone who donated, and to Judi and Northern Reach Network for the tireless work they do connecting communities in crisis with the support they need.
