Finding forever homes a bit easier for Pickering Animal Shelter after $32,000 PetSmart grant

The quest to find forever homes for dogs and cats in Pickering received a big boost Friday when longtime partner PetSmart gifted the city’s animal shelter $32,000.

The grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada will help support the Pickering Animal Shelter and the animals in its care.

“We are immensely thankful to PetSmart Charities of Canada for their generous grant,” said Pickering Animal Services Supervisor Lindsey Narraway. “In 2023, we cared for 427 animals at the shelter. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to provide essential care and find loving homes for even more animals, meaning more lives saved, and brighter futures ahead for the animals in our community.”

PetSmart Charities of Canada Adoption Prep Grants are designed to help prepare unsheltered animals for adoption by providing funding to support vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, staffing, and supplies. As well, families who adopt or foster from the Pickering shelter will also receive 30 days of free online support services, which includes behavioural training to ensure a smooth and safe transition for the pet and its new owner.

“Shelters across the country are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals coming in and need support from their communities to bring pets and people together,” said Heidi Marston, Director of Pet Placement at PetSmart Charities. “We’re proud to support Pickering Animal Services and their essential work to care and advocate for the animals that come through their door in need of loving families.”

Pickering Animal Services and PetSmart Charities of Canada have a long-standing relationship, as PetSmart (located at 1899 Brock Road) has been a Satellite Adoption Site for many years. Since 2018, this partnership has helped find homes for 1,100 animals.

Pickering Animal Services will also be partnering with PetSmart Charities of Canada from July 12-21 to celebrate their 25th anniversary and National Adoption Week.

Visit pickering.ca/PetAdoption to view the animals currently available for adoption.

“Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or making a donation,” urged Marston.