GUELPH – The Guelph Humane Society recently received a $9,965 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada, one of the nation’s leading funders of animal welfare and the human animal bond, to help expand its Pets In Transition program for individuals who are hospitalized for mental health.
The program began in Spring 2018 as a partnership with the Guelph Humane Society, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, and Community Veterinary Outreach.
The program helps women and their pets flee domestic violence, together. Now this program is growing to support Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington clients.
“The connection that people have with their pets has an incredibly positive impact on their mental health and wellness. Thanks to this grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada and partnerships with Guelph Humane Society and the Community Veterinary Outreach, the people we support can be reassured that their pets will be taken care of, when they are not in a position to do so. This gives the people we support the opportunity to focus on their wellness and recovery, with the hope that they will eventually be reunited with their pets. This is an amazing support in their wellness journey,” said Executive Director of CMHA WW, Helen Fishburn.
“Community Veterinary Outreach is proud to partner with innovative agencies that are working together to benefit vulnerable animals and the people that love them,” said Dr. Shane Bateman, Regional Veterinary Co-Director, Community Veterinary Outreach.
The Pets in Transition program supports not just women, but individuals experiencing significant mental health concerns by making sure that everyone in the home, both human and animal, has a safe place to recover. The Guelph Humane Society places pets with foster caregivers who have undergone specialized training. Thanks to the generosity of PetSmart Charities of Canada, the program will also provide everyday pet care items and services like high-quality pet food and veterinary care, if required.
“We are very appreciative of PetSmart Charities of Canada for yet another generous grant to this important program. With their support, we can help ensure that pets of both women fleeing violence and individuals receiving mental health treatment are safe and eventually reunited. The Pets in Transition program helps bring comfort to families by knowing that their pets are well-cared for and loved, so that they can focus on their recovery and healing, with the assurance that they will be re-united once again,” said Lisa Veit, Associate Director, Guelph Humane Society.
“At PetSmart Charities of Canada, we believe in the importance of preserving the bond between pets and people, no matter what life challenges or circumstances pet parents may be facing,” said Dani LaGiglia, Regional Relationship Manager at the national animal welfare charity. “Thanks to the leadership of the Guelph Humane Society and its partners, pet parents in the Guelph and Wellington region receiving mental health care, as well as those seeking safe haven, will have additional options beyond surrendering their beloved pets in times of transition.”
