Calgary pet non-profit needs help as donations dwindle, demand for vets increases

A Calgary organization dedicated to helping low-income family’s pets is facing high demand for veterinarians and difficulty providing aid.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Parachutes for Pets says they received 17 request for a vet, and said that they are “speechless” as they won’t be able to help everyone.

We are speechless. Today we had the highest amount of vet requests come in. From 6:30am to 3pm we had 17 calls. We are sad that we won’t be able to support everyone. Our donations have reached new lows and we are doing our best to manage the growing need for our programs

— Parachutes For Pets (@ParachutesP) August 10, 2022

Parachutes for Pets provides low-income families support for their pets in the form of donations and discounts.

But now donations are dwindling and they are asking for help.

“People would give up their own food for their pet over you eating, right? It’s still something you love just as much as your child for some people,” said Alicia Jeffery with Parachutes for Pets.

“You definitely can’t leave [pets] behind.”

The non-profit also provides an emergency pet pack for people and families that are “experiencing homeless or who are escaping domestic or family violence.” The packs contain food, treats, a blanket, water, bowls, boots, a jacket/cooling wrap depending on weather, and a first aid kit.

However, they are seeing a shortage in their packs.

“Social worker support will help the individual and provide them with water [to help] their capacity to help a pet. So, we’re out there providing our emergency pet packs and water to support that, and that need is really great”

One of the other issues they are seeing is vets are unable to assist them and the organization. It is creating issues for those they want to help.

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“We’re seeing a decrease in the ability of vets to help support us and give us appropriate discounts so that we can help the poor pets, so that means we can help less as well.”

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) said on May 30 that the province is under a “shortage of veterinary professionals.” They say that there are more than 840 current vacancies in Alberta.

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As pet ownership increased over the COVID-19 pandemic, the AVMA say that one veterinary team works with around 3700 pets in the province, and that many veterinary practices and emergency hospitals are short-staffed. They also say that teams are working longer hours

In response to the shortage, the Alberta Government announced financial support to help increase enrollment of students at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

They are providing $8.4 million over three years, and another $59 million to fund the construction of new infrastructure for new learners.

Parachutes for Pets are asking for donations, which can be done by visiting their website.