EDMONTON Summer is normally a busy time for animal rescues and shelters, but one foster-based organization is having a hard time keeping up with demand this year. During the pandemic, many animal rescue groups saw an increase in adoptions, though as restrictions have eased, those numbers have slowed. “People are now having more freedom, have the ability to go away, spend more time with their friends and loved ones,” said Jamey Blair, the operations manager at the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society. “We’re really hoping people will really consider opening their home to an animal.” The increase in adoptions is resulting in an increase in surrenders for the Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue.
EDMONTON Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society has opened a new shelter in Edmonton, and on Friday night, welcomed 44 puppies and dogs from Saskatchewan. The shelter has already given space to more than 200 dogs, cats and a few rabbits since opening late last month. Before opening the new facility, ARCS had existed in Edmonton only in a foster-care capacity. “Having this facility will allow us to help even more animals as we venture into remote northern communities. Just allowing those animals to have a break along their drive, get even more animals into our care,” said Jamey Blair.
The shelter is currently asking for donations having only raised just over 60 per cent of its costs for the kennels, equipment and renovations.