SPCA, Humane Society housing displaced animals

Animals during the Cariboo wildfire evacuation effort have not been forgotten.

Pets and livestock have found temporary homes in Prince George along with the 8,100 evacuees.

The local Humane Society has been providing boarding for pets with an operation at Peden Hill elementary school, which is currently holding 71 cats and 11 dogs.

The SPCA has 35 dogs in kennels on the grounds at Duchess Park secondary school and are still able to take in 20 more dogs.

Evacuee Becky Pollack from McLeese Lake was eager to walk her two dogs, who are staying at the SPCA kennel.

"I couldn't bring them along because they can't stay where we are staying," Pollack said.

"We came here at 2 a.m. and the SPCA was so helpful. It's so wonderful that they are able to provide this service."

Geoff Urton, site manager at the SPCA, came from Vancouver to lend a hand.

"Right now we are just rolling with it," Urton said.

"Everyone is responding and helping out."

"All hands are on deck and the SPCA has an incredible team to deploy resources in situations like this," Urton added.

For Urton, the generosity witnessed has been unforgettable.

"We've had the manager of the SPCA in Williams Lake help out. Despite their own situation, people are helping when they can. It's incredible," he said.

The evacuation effort, however, has put a strain on resources.

"The best thing is to visit our website to make a donation," he said.

People can drop off gift cards to pet supply stores if they would like to help out instead of donating food.

This helps us keep diets consistent which is important for the animals and their health."

Blankets and bedding would also be appreciated.

"And anyone who has experience with dogs from working in a pet shop or vet clinic, to dog walking, we would love to hear from them," Urton said.

"Yesterday we were short-staffed and to see people drop everything, it's so selfless. You can really feel the community support. Even though people are under pressure, there is a continued desire to help."

To donate to the SPCA, visit spca.bc.ca. To donate to the Prince George Humane Society, visit pghumanesociety.ca.