Opening Hearts and Homes: A Call For Adopters

Your Invitation to Pet Adoption Bliss!

As the cost of living rises, many pet owners have realized they no longer have the resources to care for a pet. Developing issues like this began a crisis in animal rescue, with adoptions plummeting across Canada. EHS has stepped in to help other shelters as much as possible, but our adoption numbers are not where they were pre-pandemic. Many animals stay with us for months, while some have become long-term tenants at the shelter. 

With these issues, we're trying a few tactics to encourage adoptions. Maybe you’ve seen some of them, like Take Me Home Tuesday on CP24 or our Pawsitively Adoptable Instagram Lives. We always want to encourage adoption, but we also want to ensure the pets go to homes with space and time for them. While thinking about pet ownership, we have some points for you to consider:

• Make a budget: To avoid misunderstandings about the necessities of pet ownership, consider their stage of life and the costs that come with it (i.e. a young dog may require more training materials while a senior dog may require more medications). Plan for your budget and an emergency fund in case of unexpected vet bills.

• Consider your lifestyle: Yes, some pets can be more fitting for your lifestyle, but they come with considerations that may alter how you go about your day. You will no doubt have to make some adjustments for them. Make sure to consider these while planning for a pet.

• Know your commitment: We would love to find good homes for all our furry friends. However, we want to make sure that our animals find forever homes. Pets are not a short-term commitment. Make sure you prepare for the responsibility of several years of pet ownership. Note: Pets should not be gifts unless the recipient is committed to taking it on long-term.

Adopting is a rewarding commitment. While it will take changes to your lifestyle, it gives a pet a second chance at the life they deserve. If you think adoption is for you, check out available cats and dogs on our website. If, after considering these things, you don’t think you’re in a position to take on a pet right now, there are other ways you can help. Keep an eye on our website and social media and share with your friends and family; one of our dogs or cats may tug on someone's heartstrings enough to give them a second chance.