Pawsitive Packs: Keeping pets with the people who love them

One of the ways the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is working to keep pets with the people who love them is through a new Pawsitivie Packs initiative in York Region, which provides supplies and resources to pets in our community. The backpacks, which are filled with essential pet supplies, are distributed through local food banks and social services to people with pets who need support. 

Our mission 

The Pawsitive Packs initiative is part of the organization’s mission to keep pets and families together through a variety of community support services. 

“If people are struggling to provide food or supplies for their furry family members, we want to be able to support them with these basic needs,” says Lori MacLeod, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. “Our goal is to try to keep pets with their families and prevent unnecessary rehoming.” 

The initiative relies on donations from the community. Backpacks are filled with items like collars, leashes, toys, treats, poop bags, and more. Once collected, Lori coordinates drop offs to local food banks and social services, who identify clients who would benefit most from the packs.  

“The need is considerable because there are so many people in the region,” says Lori, adding that they’ve given away over 100 packs so far, as well as other individually requested items like carriers, collars and food.  

Pawsitive impact 

Some of the people the packs benefit are unhoused or at risk of being unhoused. Lori says one individual requested support to keep his cat contained overnight. The Pawsitive Packs initiative was able to provide him with a cat tent, carrier, leash and collar. Lori says the program provides people with so much more than just tangible supplies. 

“I’ve met people that when I’ve given them supplies, they’ve cried. It’s just like tears of joy that the people out in the community are supporting them, helping them, and wanting to make sure that they’re doing well with their pets,” says Lori. 

Pawsitive Packs is currently an initiative in York Region, and is part of the Ontario SPCA’s Community Outreach Services, which also helps keep furry bellies full through pet food donations to food banks, and provides spay/neuter and wellness services to those without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care 

“Pets are a huge part of our family, especially for supporting our emotional well-being, so it’s incredible that we can reach out and help people with what’s needed most,” says Lori. 

To make a donation, visit the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre in Stouffville and label your donation for “Pawsitive Packs.” You can also follow the animal centre’s social media pages for any upcoming donation events. To donate online today, visit ontariospca.ca/donate.