With another unprecedented year for animal intakes, rescuing strays and providing emergency medical assistance, the Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) is asking for the public’s support.
A news release from the Society says this summer was one their most challenging rescue seasons in more than 27 years.
Additionally, the Society, which serves the Okanagan Valley from Osoyoos to the Shuswap, is expected to help more than 4,000 animals this year, a 35% increase from a previous year.
Because the OHS is volunteer-run and relies on volunteer foster families and partnerships with local veterinary hospitals, they depend on annual fundraising campaigns like the annual Angels for Animals.
.jpg)
Photo Credit: OHS
“Our volunteers are responding daily to calls about animals that are found stray or abandoned,” explains OHS President Romany Runnalls.
“The circumstances can vary and are sometimes really unfortunate and disturbing, but no matter what, we take the call, seven days a week.”
Along with an increase for help, the OHS surpassed its adoption record in July after placing over 100 animals.
It has continued that trend month-over-month since, something Runnalls says is turning into the new normal.
The OHS believes inflation and the housing crisis are part of what's contributing to reports of so many abandoned animals – including more than two dozen homeless animals taken in during the past week.
Runnalls says as a foster-based organization, their only limitations are foster homes and funding.
“As long as we have both of these, we can keep picking up the phone and saying yes to animals in our communities every single day,” Runnall says.
The community can help by donating to Angels for Animals to help raise funds for medical care and other needs the society needs.
This year, the OHS is looking to raise $200,000 after four donors offered a $100,000 match.
With the average price of caring for an animal sitting at $300, that means 650 animals could receive care if that fundraising goal is reached.
To donate to the campaign, you can visit this link.
