'Critical need for our program': Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society facing financial troubles
An Alberta animal rescue organization is facing a financial struggle due to a major increase in demand this year.
The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) food assistance program reported an increase of 103 per cent in requests for pet food assistance services compared to last year.
It marks the first time in the organization's history there isn't enough food to service the pet community.
In a release, the organization said the numbers reflect a critical need for the food assistance program.
"In January and February alone, we assisted over 410 families, feeding more than 520 pets. March continued this trend, with 176 families seeking help for over 360 pets," said Rachel Cote, director of programs for AARCS.
"We are reaching out today to the community for support. Monetary donations are great, as they allow us to purchase food in bulk at reduced costs, but we also welcome donations of dog and cat kibble, canned food and litter at one of our two shelter locations."
AARCS is not the only animal food bank feeling the double whammy of increased prices and spiking demand.
Calgary-based Parachutes for Pets says the demand for its services is unprecedented and overwhelming.
"It's frightening and, you know, if I wasn't here seeing this every day, I don't think I would believe it," said Parachutes for Pets communications co-ordinator Lauren Fettig.
"There are lots of people out there right now looking for pet food support."
It's not just pet food but the rising cost of living in general that's putting pressure on pet owners, according to Calgary Humane Society director of public relations Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons.
"Affordability is at the root of all of these problems. When you look at the people that need to access our animal admissions, it's the same story: unexpected puppies, multiple pets. (They) can't afford between feeding their pets and feeding their kids," said Fitzsimmons.
"A lot of people right now are forced between either living in their car just to keep their dog, or surrendering their dog so they can put a roof over their head."
As a result, the Calgary Humane Society's kennels are full.
There are 187 dogs on a waiting list, not to be adopted, but simply to get a space inside in order to be put up for adoption.
Fitzsimmons says much of that problem can be blamed on irresponsible breeders who started their businesses to capitalize on the pandemic demand for companion animals but now can't sell the dogs they breed.
"Our puppy intake has increased by about 200 per cent since 2022, which is massive, and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight," said Fitzsimmons.
"We do believe that's related to the pandemic and irresponsible backyard breeding. That has led to an increase in unspayed, unneutered animals in the community."
Information on how to adopt an animal from the Calgary Humane Society or to make a donation to the organization can be found on its website, at calgaryhumane.ca.
AARCS Pet Food Bank is accepting monetary donations through their website, at aarcs.ca.
Food donations can be made in person at their Edmonton and Calgary shelter locations.
More information about Parachutes for Pets can be found at parachutesforpets.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6943621.1719510587!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Watch Live Now: Canadian analysis ahead of the CNN Presidential Debate
U.S. President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump are set to go head-to-head tonight in the first of two planned presidential debates. Here's how to watch the CNN Presidential Debate, Power Play's pre- and post-debate specials, and follow along in our real-time CTVNews.ca live expert analysis and commentary by debate and body-language experts.
'Hanging on for her life': Sask. family desperate to bring home sick niece from Philippines
For half a decade, a Saskatoon family has been trying to bring their orphaned niece to Canada, they say now it’s a matter of life or death.
'No additional flights will be cancelled': WestJet avoids strike as feds order binding arbitration
A potential strike by WestJet airplane mechanics would upend travel plans for 250,000 customers over the Canada Day long weekend, the airline says — and cost it millions of dollars.
BREAKING Nunavut judge sentences Toronto woman to 3 years prison for Inuit identity fraud
A Nunavut judge has sentenced a Toronto woman to three years in prison in a case of Inuit identity fraud.
Canada's top court rejects appeal from Sask. man who murdered wife
The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected an application from a Saskatoon man who murdered his wife.
Where do new Canadians come from? India and Philippines take top spots
Canada has welcomed more than 3.9 million new citizens since 2005, with nearly one third coming from India, the Philippines or China, according to a CTVNews.ca analysis.
Marilyn Monroe's former Los Angeles home declared a historic monument to save it from demolition
Fans of Marilyn Monroe have won a battle to preserve her mark on Los Angeles and are a step closer to seeing a towering statue of the silver screen icon remain in Palm Springs.
Man charged with threatening to kill presidential candidates found dead as jury was deciding verdict
A New Hampshire man charged with threatening the lives of presidential candidates last year has been found dead while a jury was deciding his verdict, according to court filings Thursday.
AI regulation 'a start,' needs to 'have teeth': Hinton, godfather of AI, says
So-called godfather of AI Geoffrey Hinton says he's 'pleased' governments are starting to take artificial intelligence, and the possible regulations of it, seriously.